
Glass Jj/f ££& 



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THE 



BRISTOL. GUIDE 

EEING A COMPLETE 

ANCIENT AND MODERN HISTORY 

OF THE 

CITY OF BRISTOL, 



INCLUDING 



A DESCRIPTION OF THE INTERESTING CURIOSITIES 

OF THEIR 

VICINITY: 



SIXTH EDITION. 



REVISED AND CAREFULLY CORRECTED TO THE PRESENT TIME, 

BY JOSEPH MATHEWS, 

EDITOR OF THE ANNUAL BRISTOL DIRECTORY. 



BRISTOL: 

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY J. MATHEWS, 29, BATH -STREET, 
AND SOLD BY THE BOOKSELLERS. 



1825. 



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ADVERTISEMENT. 



J. Mathews returns his sincere thanks to the 
Nobility, Gentry, and the Public, for the preference 
they have given to his Guide to Bristol; assuring 
them that it has been his aim in the present Edition, 
to merit a continuance of that countenance and sup- 
port which he has hitherto experienced. 

Agreeably to the wish of many respectable Resi- 
dents of this City to possess a copy of this History 
of Bristol, suitable to the Library, he has been in- 
duced to print it in Octavo, which he flatters himself 
will obtain their approbation. 

The Ancient historical part has been carefully 
revised, as well as the Modern description, with the 
recent improvements down to the present year ; and 
the whole will be found to contain every thing 
which is essential, as well to the resident as the 
stranger, being replete with information, amusement, 
and utility. 

September, 1825. 



TOPOGRAPHICAL INDEX. 



C$ii 



Page. 

Abbot's Lei^h, 31, 222 

Abston and Wick, 229 

Adult School Society, 167 

Aitkin, John, Painter, 59 

Algar, 17 

Almondsbury, 228 

Allen, Architect, 145 

All Saints' Church, 129 

All Saints' Alms House, 169 

Alms Houses, 168 

Alveston, 228 

Alyward Snow, 17, 37 

Anchor Society, 175 

Ann, Queen, came to Bristol, 48 

Anne, qu. renewed its Charter, 55 

Antiquity of Bristol, 8 

Antoninus, 12 



Arcade, St. James's, began, 
Arms of Bristol, 
Arno's Vale, 
Assembly Rooms, 
Avon, River, 
.Avon's Town, 
Augustine, a Monk, 
St. Augustine's Church, 
Ditto Chapel, 
Aust or old Passage, 
Austor Clive, 



72 

90 

223 

163 

73 

13 

16 

130 

148 

229 
14 



Bath, description of the City, 219 
Badmington, 229 

Bathurst, late M. P, for Bristol, 6-i 
Baptists' Chapels, 149 

Baxter, 14 

Bed minster Church, 131 

Belinus & Brennus, 9. Statues, 177 
Bible Society, 175 

Bird, E. Painter, died, 67 

Blaize Castle, 229 

Blind Asylum, 172 

Boundaries of the City, 38,59 
Brass Works, 93 

Breweries, 95 

Brictiic,23, or Britrycke,Earl, 138 
Bridge, New, 34— of Stone, 43 



Page. 
Bridge Riot, 60 

Bridges, 77 

Bright and Hessant beheaded, 46 
Brislington, 223 

Bristol Stones, 211 

Bristowe, Brystowe, Bristolia, 

or Bristolium, 16 

Brockley Comb, 223 

Buildings, 97 

Burton, Simon de, 121 

Burton's Alms House, 169 

Busby and Green, knights, 45 

Bush, Paul, first Bishop, 106, 115 
Butler, Bishop, his tomb, 115 
Cabot, Sebastian, 46, 186 

Caer Brito, 3, 9 

Caer Oder, U 

Caesar, Julius, 8 

Camden, 16, 19, 121 

Cangi, 11 

Cannynges, William, 122, 125 
his Alms-house, "!70, — his 
Residence, 187, — William 
and Thomas, born, &c. 186 
Captains of Ships Society, 176 

Caraboo's imposture, 66 

Castle of Bristol, 19 

Repaired, 27, 49 

Castle and City stormed and taken, 
27, Castle demolished, 31 

Cathedral Church, 103 

Charles I. 27,— at Bristol, 28 

granted the Castle to the 
Corporation, 48 

Charles II. at Bristol, 31, — came 
again, and granted a New 
Charter, 52,— his Statue, 177 
Charlotte, queen, visited Bristol, 66 
Chatterton, 20, 136,— his life, 189 
Chepstow, 230 

Chesne, Andrew, 34 

Chipping Sodbury, 23 

Christ Church, 131 



Chronometer, Exchange, 



08 



TOPOGRAPHICAL INDEX 





Page. 


Cily School, 


1G6 


Civil Government, 


82 


CJarke, Mr. H. 


197 


Classes of People, 


181 


Clevedoo, 


224 


Clifton, 


12, 210 



Clifton Church consecrated, 68 
Description, 132 

Coals, 81 

Coffee Mouses, 182 

Col ford, Wm. de, Recorder, made 

Laws and Liberties for Bristol, 45 
College Green, 10l 

Colliers rioting, 58 

Colston, Edward, monument, 130, 
—Chapel. 149,— Schools, 166, 
—Alms-houses, 168,— born, 
&c. 188 

Colston, Thomas, monument, 130 
Commercial Rooms opened, 62 
Description, 158 

Coopers' Hall, 159 

Corporation, 82 

Council House, first stone laid, 69 
Description, 155 

Cranes at the quay, 76 

Craufuird's monument, 112 

Cromwell, Oliver, 30 

proclaimed Lord Protector, — 
his Letter to the Corporation 51 
—High Steward, 82 

Cumick, Mr. Thomas, 198 

Custom House buiii, 55 

Description, 156 

Danes, 17 

Daniel, Mrs. her monument, 110 
Davis, R H. elected M. P. 62 
Ditto and E. Protheroe re- 
turned Members, 67 
Ditto, and Henry Bright, re- 
turned Members, 6? 
Denmark, Prince and princes 

of, came to Bristol, i 

Dermot, King of Linster, 42 

Dialects, 179 

Diocesan School, 167 

Dirham, 230 

Dispensaries, Bristol & Clifton, l?2 
Distilleries, 94 



Docks, 

Doddington 

Doe James, his suicide, 

Dolphin Society, 

Donne, Mr. Benjamin, 

Dorcas Societies, 

Dowry Square Chapel, 



Page. 

76 
230 

61 
175 
197 
174 

147 

Draper, Mrs. her monument, 110 
Draper, Sir William, 189 

Drusus, Claudius, Emperor, 10 
Duddlestone, Sir J. monument, 130 
Dundry hill and Church, 221 

Dunwallo, first king of the Britons 9 
Earldom, 183 

Eleanor of Bretagne, 26 

Edward I. 44 

Edward II. 44 

Edward III. 45 

Edward IV. at Bristol, 46 

Elizabeth, queen, came to Bris- 
tol, a new Charter, 47 
Ella, Lord of the Castle, 21 
Ellbridge's Charity School, 166 
Elliot, Abbot, Statue, 178 
Elton, C. A. Esq. 198 
Elwyn, Mrs. her monument, 117 
Ethelbert, 17 
Evans, Mr. John, 198 
Evans, Rev. John, 198 
St. Ewin's Church, 132 
Excise OlTice, 156 
Exchange, 157 
Fairfax, letter to Prince Rupert 28 
— Summonses him to deliver 
up the city, 50 
Fairs, 78 
Famine in Bristol, 44 
Ferries, 77 
Finnes, Col. governor of Bristol, 49 
Fitzharding. 42, 103,— Statue, 17S 
Fitzhaymon, Robeit, '22, 41 
Floating Harbour completed, 62 
Floor Ciolh manufactory, 96 
Florence of Worcester, 18 
Foster's Chapel, 14 9,— Alms 

house, 169 

Foster, Dr. monument, 114 

Frampton, Waller, 135 

French Protestants' Chapel, 150 



VI 



TOPOGRAPHICAL INDEX, 



Page. 
French ay, 230 

Friends' Meeting-houses, 150 

Friend's Poor-house, 171 

Friend in Need Society, 174 

Froom River, 76 

Frost, severe, 67 

Fry's House of Mercy, 170 

Fulford, Sir Baldwin, beheaded, 46 
Gates of the City, 36 

George IV. proclaimed, 67 

crowned, 68 

St. George's, New church, 143 
Gifford, Sir R. Recorder, 67 

Gildas, 15 

Glass manufactories, 95 

Glastonbury Abbey, 221 

G. Goldney, Esq. his Grotto, 215 
Gore, Col. his monument, 116 
Goths, 15 

Godfrey, Bishop, keeper of the 

Castle, 18 

Graham, Aeronant, 72 

Grammar Schools, City, 165, 166 
Grateful Society, 175 

Gregory, Pope, 16 

Grocett,-Mrs. her monument, 117 
Guallo, the Pope's Legate, 43 

Guildhall, 155 

Guy's colony at Newfoundland, 48 
Hackney Coaches, 59, 89 

Harding, Robert, 40 

] Iarold^ Duke of Kent & Sussex, 18 
Harold and Leofwine, 17 

Heath, George, 196 

Henbury, and Cottages, 231 

Henderson, Antonii, monument, ! 19 
llengrove, 224 

Heury I. 22 

Henry II. new Charter, 42, 104 

—his Siatue, 178 

Henry III. new Charters, 43, 44 
Henry, duke of Lancaster, invaded 

Bristol, afterwards Henry IY ; 4 5 
Henry VI. at Bristol, 46 

Henry VII. new Charter, 46 

Henry VIII. at Thornbury, made 

Bristol a Bishop's See, 47, 106 
Hibernian School Society, 175 
Hills, 3, 4 



Fag* 

Ilollin^head, 17 

Holy'liinity Church, Kingswood, 68 
Hospitals, St. Peter's, 171 

for the Eyes, 172 

Hotels at Clifton, 114 

Hotwell house built, 54 

Hotwells, and description of 

the Water, l99 

Humane Society, 178 

Huntingdon's Chapel, 1-50 

Independent Chapels, 1^1 

Inhabitants, Number, 39 

, description, 179 

Infirmary, 171 

Inns, 182 

Institution for Science, Literature, 

and the Arts, 161 

Iron-foundries, 94 

Isabel, Queen, look Bristol, 44 
James, king, his order for dis- 
placing Protestant Corporations 53 
St. James's Church, 134 

' Benevolent Schools, 167 
Jerusalem Chapel, 152 

Jews' Synagogues, 154" 

Jefferies, Judge, came to Bristol, 53 
John, king, 42, — taxed the Jews 43 
St. John's Church, 135 

Saint Jordan, 16 

Jurisdiction of Bristol, 83 

Kemys, 142 

Keynsham, 11, 225 

Kingsweston, 231- 

Lancasterian School, 167 

Latitude and Long, of Bristol, 1 
Lead Works, 94 

Leland, 14, 16, 17, 20, 25 

Library, City, 16a 

Licensed houses for Liquor, 185 
Lighting and Watching Clifton, 72 

and Bristol, 88 

Literary, or Inquirer's Society, 1(5S 
Little, Mrs. her monument, 127 
Littleton, Lord, 31 

Long Ashton, 2^3 

Love, Rev. S. his monument, 115 
Lying-in Institution, 175 

M'Cicady, opened the Theatre 67 
Maoscl, Dr. W. L. Bishop died, 63 



TOPOGRAPHICAL INDEX. 



Vll 



Page. 
Mansion House, 156 

St. Mark's Church, 136 

Margaret, Queen, 46 

Mason, Mrs. her monument, 112 
Markets, 79 

Mayan, Gen, funeral, 61 

Mary, Queen, Protestants burned 47 
St. Mary-le-Port Church, 137 

Mathews, Tobias, Arch-bishop, 188 
Maud, Empress, 22, 41 

Merchants* Hall, 159, School, 166 
Methodist Chapels, 152 

Schools, 167 

Merchant Tailors' Alms-house 169 
St, Michael's Church, 137 

Ditto Schools, 166 

Mineral Spa Water, 217 

Mint for coining, 46 

Misericordia Society, I74 

Monmouth, Duke of, marched 

towards Bristol, 52 

Morton, John Earl of, Lord of 

Bristol, 42 

Moody, S. her monument, 112 
Moravian Chapel, 153 

Nailor, James, 50 

National Beneyolent institution, 174 
Navigation, 73 

Neninus, 15 

Neptune, figure, removed, 72, 177 
Newland, Abbot, Statue, 178 

Newspapers first published 57, 183 
Newtons' monuments, 118 

New Passage, 232 

St. Nicholas Church, 138 

Alms-house, J 69 

Nicholas street Charity school, 167 
Officers of Corporation, 82 

Oldbury, 232 

Orange, Prince, visited Bristol, 57 
Orphan Asylum and Chapel, 173 
Ostorius Scapula, 11 

Ovedon, Roger, 19 

Page, Adam le, first Mayor, 43 
Parades, lOl 

Paving the streets, 62, 89 

St, Paul's Church, 140 

Peace celebrated, 65 

Peace Society, ' 17G 



Page. 

Pembroke, Earl, came to Bristol, 49 
Penitentiaries, I73 

Penn, Sir Wm, Knt. 126 

Pen-Park Hole, 232 

St. Peter and Paul's Church, HI 
St. Philip and Jacob's Church, 142 
Phillipps's monument, 114 

Piercefield, 233 

Pillars of Copper, 157 

Pill, 222 

Plague at Bristol, 50 

Poor Laws Act, 68 

Poor houses, 170 

Post-office, Bristol. 157. Clifton, 216 
Pottery, 96 

Powell's monument, 113 

Prisons, 85 

Prospects, 178 

Prudent Man's Friend Society, 174 
Pump-room Hotwells, 68, 206 
Quarries adjacent, 6 

Quakers, first came, 50 

Quays, 76 

Queen Square built, 55 

RedclifT church suffered by storm 46 
repaired, 55, — again in 61, — 
damaged 68, — description, 121 
RedclifT and Thomas School, 1G6 
Red Maid's School, 166 

Redland, 233 

Representation by members, 183 
Reynolds's Society, 173 

Richard I. 42 

Richard II. 45 

Ridley's Alms house, 169 

Rivers, 2, 73 

Roads, Act for Improving, 67 

Robert Earl of Glocester, 20, 41 
Roberts, Wm. Isaac, 195 

Robinson, Bishop of Bristol, 56 
Robinson, Geo. monument, 111. 
Romau Catholic Chapel, 153 

Rowland, Mrs. monument, 128 
Rowley, Thomas, tomb, 136 

Rufus, King Wm. 19 

Rufus Robert, I34 

Rupert, Prince, storms Bristol27,50 
Sadler, Aaronant, 62 

Samaritan Society, 174 



Vill 



TOPOGRAPHICAL INDEX. 



Sangar, Rev. J. F. monument ]46 
Savage, Richard, poet, I, 142 
Saxons, 16, 36 

Schools, 165, 166, 167 

Seaman's Bible Society, 175 

Seaman's Friend&Bethal Union 175 
Seceders' Chapel, 153 

Sewell, Mr. Wm. 197 

Seyer, Rev. Samuel, 197 

Shot Works, Lead, 94 

Shipward, John, 143 

Sion Spring, 216 

Situation of Bristol, 1 

Skipton and Scroop, two last 

Governors of the Castle, 31 

Snigge, Sir George, knt. 144 

Soap Manufacture, 95 

Southey, Robert, . 197 

Spencer, Hugh, hanged 44 

Spencer, Loid, btheaded, 45 

Squares, 98 

Stafford, Sir John, Gov. of Castle 26 
Stanhope, Miss, monument, 118 
Stanton Drew, 226 

Stapleton, 234 

Steam Packets, 92 

Stephen, King, $2, 26, Statue, 178 
St. Stephen's Church, 143 

Stephens's Alms-houses, 169 

Steward of Bristol, 82 

Stoke Bishop, 234 

Stoke House, 234 

Stonehouse/s monument, 147 

Stourton, 227 

Stow, 17 

Stowey, 227 

Stranger's Friend Society, 174 

Stranger's Alms-house, 169 

Streets, 97, 185 

Sugar Refiners, 95 

Tacitus, 1 1 

Tailors' hall, 159 

Taverns, 182 

Temple Church, 144. School, 166 
Theatre Royal, 163 

Theodocius, 15 

Thistlewaite, James, 193 

Thomas, bishop of Worcester, 188 
Thombury, 234 



Page. Page. 

Thorne, Poet, 198 

Thorne, Robert and Nicholas, 188 
St. Thomas Church, 145 

Tract Societies, 175 

Trade and Commerce, 91 

Trading Companies, 88 

Trial Privateer taken, 57 

Trinity Chapel, 149, Hospitals 169 
Turnpikes round Bristol, 57 

Vernon, Catherine, monument, 110 
Views of and about Bristol, 184 
St. Vincent's Rocks, 21 

Volunteers, 61 — Field day, 63 

Disbanded and dinner, 65 

Uniterians' Chapel, 154 

School, 166,— Alms-house, 170 
Wales, Prince of, his visit, 62 

Walks and Rides, 180 

Walls of the City, 36 45, 50 

Walsingham, Sir Francis, 47, 147 
Wards of Bristol, 85 

Wastfield's monument, 113 

Waters, 81 

Watts,- Roger, monument, 112 
Weare, ship, lost, 69 

Weavers' Hall, Alms house, 171 
Weeks, John, monument, 111 
Welch Chapel, 154 

Wellington's visit to Bristol, 66 

Wellington Gardens, 164 

Wells, description of the city, 221 
St. Werburgh's Church, 145 

Westbury, 235 

White's Hospital, 170 

Whitfieldites* Chapel, 154 

Whilson, John, Esq. monument 139 
William, king, landed, 54, — his 

statue, 57, 1?7 

William of Worcester, 13, 25, 

34, 37, 186, 199, 210 
William, Earl of Glocester, 137 
William and Mary Packet lost, 66 
Wood, Architect of Bath, 157 

Worgan, John Daws, 196 

Wrington, 227 

Wulfstan, 40 

Wulpherus, king of Saxons, 145 
Yearsley, Mrs. Ann, 193 

Romans and Boucher, 27, 48, 04 




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a coflee-house, aud two meeting-houses. At the 



/ 



THE 

BRISTOL GUIDE. 

CHAPTER I. 

The Situation of Bristol, and its Advantages. 



UfttftOl has been represented, by inattentive or 
malicious writers, as situated in a dark bottom. De 
Foe, in his former editions of The Tour through Brit- 
ain, and Savage, the poet, have asserted, that the 
situation is inconvenient and disagreeably low. 

Whereas, on the contrary, the heart of the city is 
really situated on a hill of considerable and sufficient 
height, and appears to be low only from the lofty and 
beautiful hills with which it is almost surrounded. 
Were the country about it low and level, it would 
appear to be on noble elevations. In the last edition 
of the Tour, published in 1778, the situation is great- 
ly and justly extolled : Bristol is built on hills in a 
vale, and its eminences would be too high were they 
higher from the river. 

The City Bristow or Bristol, lies in 51, 30 deg. of 
N. lat. , 2, 4(> of W. long, at the southern extremity 
of Glocestershire, and the northern of Somersetshire ; 
being taken out of, and made a City and County, in- 
dependent of both, by Edward 111. though it is gene- 
rally reckoned in Somerset. It is 115 miles due west 

B 



2 

from London ; through Bath and Chippenham 117; 
through Devizes 120 ; 12 W. N. W of Bath; 179 N. E. 
of Falmouth ; 80 N. E. of Exeter, 149 E. of Milford 
Haven; 34 8. W.byS. of Glocester ; 60 S. S. W. of 
Worcester ; 154 S. by E. of Chester ; 188 S. of Liver- 
pool ; 228 S. W. of York ; 220 W. by S. of Norwich ; 
and 68 W. by S. of Oxford. It has two Rivers, the 
Avon and the Froom ; its principal is the Avon ; the 
course of which is changed since the completion of 
the Floating harbour, taking* a direction a little above 
Rownham Ferry, Hotwells, through the meads on 
the RedclifTside, and meeting its original course a 
little below Totterdown The Floating harbour com- 
mences near Rownham ferry, where is a large basin, 
called Cumberland Basin, through which the larger 
vessels pass ; the float continuing by Canon's marsh 
to the Quay, where the river Froom meets it, from 
thence round the Grove, the Back, and passing St. 
Mary-le-Port, by the borders of St. Philip and Jacob's 
parishes, reaching near its original direction below 
Totterdown, making a distance of above two miles. 
The vessels are constantly afloat, and not liable to 
damage from the revolutions of the tides ; — these im- 
provements were began in 1804. and completed in 
about six years afterwards : how far these alterations 
have improved the city, we will leave for those who 
are better acquainted with the subject to determine. 

The City is built about eight miles from the mouth 
of the Avon, or discharge into the Bristol channel, or 
Severn sea. It stands in a most delightful and healthy 
country, and is surrounded with numerous verdant 
hills, some of moderate, and others of towering 
heights, particularly to the north and east which de- 
fend it from the cold winds, and render its situation 
warm and comfortable. The loftiest hill is Dunderry, 
to the south and south-east, from which there are 
grand and very distant prospects. The country is 
far more beautiful about Bristol, and it has more 
varied views than about London. The circumjacent 
regions are varigated with high and wholesome 
downs, sweetened with odoriferous plants and herbs; 



3 

fruitful vallies watered with rivers, springs, brooks, 
and rivulets ; sublime rocks ; thick and solemn 
woods ; beautiful scenes of nature ; and most pleas- 
ing prospects of land and water, with a considerable 
extent of country. In its vicinity are many pleasant 
and handsome villages, and seats of nobility and 
gentry happily situated. These circumstances gene- 
rally attract the attention and excite the admiration 
of travellers and foreigners. 

By Bristol, we would be understood to mean the 
City, and all its inhabited environs that pertain to, 
and are connected with it : and a general description 
of the situation of modern Bristol, thus taken, is, 
that it stands in a vale, on eminences, level grounds, 
and on steep and lofty hills to the N. N. W. and W. 
of it; the heights of some of which are too sudden 
and inconvenient for carriages. The summits of 
these hills, Kingsdown, St. Michael's, and Brandon 
hill, ar' about 250 feet in perpendicular height above 
the * .ers ; and consequently the lov/er buildings of 
F ,stol appear from their tops to be in a deep valley, 
and the spectator is above the highest steeple in the 
city ; yet several of the lower parts stand on fine ele- 
vations from the rivers, the ascents to which were 
formerly too steep, but by late improvements are 
rendered easy, and not inconvenient for trade and 
heavy carriages. 

The old town or city (Caer Brito) primarily built, 
and which was within the inner wall, stands on a hill 
of forty feet of perpendicular height, between the 
rivers Avon and Froom ; from which eminence there 
is every way a decent. Thus the heart of the city 
being seated on a hill, and the streets intersecting 
each other at right angles in several places, it has a 
free admission and circulation of air. 

The City is said to resemble ancient Rome; its 
plan being nearly circular, with a greater diameter 
one way than another ; and the river cutting off about 
a sixth part from the rest. Also it stands on seven 
hills ; and its principal river, the Avon, is yellow and 
rapid like the Tyber, though inferior in breadth. 



4 

Its hills are, 1st. That on which stood the old city, 
which is now in the centre, the walls of which were 
nearly circular, and had live or six gates. 11. That 
on which stood the Castle to the east, which is 
bounded by the Avon on the south; the Froom on 
the north ; and by a deep ditch or moat (now partly 
arched over) on the east. II J. To the west, the Col- 
lege-green, a considerable and pleasing eminence, 
and on which stands the Cathedral Church, &c. IV. 
To the south of the Avon, about three furlongs from 
Biistol bridge, is Red cliff hill, on which are, the fa- 
mous church of that name, its church-yard, and seve- 
ral other streets and places. V. St. Michael's hill, 
of great height, and covered with a variety of houses 
and streets up to the summit. VI. Kingsdown, part 
of which is in the city ; on which are several modern 
streets and pleasant gardens ; the boundary or chasm 
between this and St. Michael's being in upper Maud- 
lin street and Bedford place, opposite. VII. Bran- 
don hill, which is in the City ; the chasm between this 
and St. Michael's, is Park street. This hill, though 
its base is almost surrounded with buildings, is not 
yet built over, though on it are erected Berkeley 
square, Great george street, Charlotte street, Queen's 
parade, &c. These three last grand eminences exhibit 
countless beauties, and are nearly covered with houses 
and gardens, rising street over street to their very 
tops, which command various delightful and extensive 
views of the city, and of the country for several miles 
around. Strangers, who are spectators from the op- 
posite hills, and from some parts of the city, and 
suburbs, are struck with agreeable surprise at the 
sight of a large town, hanging in continued slope, as 
it were from the very clouds. From these hills, and 
more particularly Pile hill, on the south of the Bath 
road, the city, its cathedral and churches, the tow r ers 
of some of which are lofty and elegant, make an 
august and venerable appearance. 

The \ allies and hills of Bristol are covered with 
public and private buildings of various materials and 
constructions. Its upper parts stand principally on 



5 

rocks ; and its lower, some on red marie, and others 
on thick hard beds of sand or coals. The ground 
under the surface is perforated with drains and com- 
mon sewers in all directions. There are very few, 
if any, houses that have not a communication with 
the main sewers ; a provision for cleanliness not so 
universal in any city in the world. Filth and noxious 
effluvia are thus received into the old river or floating 
harbour, which being regularly cleansed, and every 
care taken by the Dock-company to prevent all un- 
wholesome exhalation; though in strict justice it must 
be acknowledged, that in opposition to all their truly 
laudable exertions, in the summer season particu- 
larly, the water acquires a dark unpleasant surface ; 
and where it is most subject to the reception of 
drains, emits a rather offensive smell. 

Bristol is, by nature and situation, a very healthy 
town; many agreeable circumstances render it so. 
A few fathoms under ground is excellent water. Its 
air is well known and experienced to be undeniably 
and notably salubrious. Its soil is dry, and the 
damps of some moist countries aud atmospheres are 
here unknown. It has very little marshy ground a- 
bout it : London has many pernicious marshes too 
nigh to it. Some invalids of Bristol, whom business 
or curiosity have led to the metropolis, have found 
themselves worse than before, and have been obliged 
to make a hasty retreat to regain their native air. 

The advantageous circumstances of the situation 
of Bristol, taken altogether, may not be readily paral- 
leled. Several ships of war, of from 40 to 70 guns, 
were built here for Government, during the first con- 
test with America. The Avon and Froom, as before 
observed, being formed into large docks of water, 
facilitate trade, as vessel's can now proceed on their 
voyages when the tides are at the neap, which other- 
wise necessarily occasioned a delay : and by the 
same means ships of great burthen instead of remain- 
ing in Kingroad until the tides rise high enough to 
admit them, are received in an immense basin called, 
Cumberland Basin, near to the Hotwells ; and here 



(5 

they lie safely, and unload with ease. Its conveni- 
ence for trade is every way apparent. Its own river 
is navigable to the spacious, populous, and elegant 
city of Bath. It stands so near the confluence of 
the river Avon with the Severn, that it enjoys the 
navigation and trade of that great river and adjacent 
counties ; and of vast extent of sea coasts down the 
Bristol Channel, in Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall, 
to the Land's End ; and of Southern Wales to Mil- 
ford Haven. Ireland is just at the mouth of its 
channel, whose neighbourhood and trade are un- 
doubtedly very beneficial to it. It enjoys the benefit 
of three Mineral Springs, two warm and one Chaly- 
beate ; and of great resort and residence of nobility 
and gentry, especially in the months of summer. 
Neither London, Dublin, nor Edingburgh have any 
coal in their vicinities : Bristol stands in the midst of 
a coal country, the veins of which run under its 
streets. It is surrounded by colleries, not only in 
Kings wood on the Glocester side of the river, but 
also on the Somerset side. It has in its environs 
quarries of various sorts of stone for lime, building, 
and paving. The quarries of Dundry, Bishport, 
Brislington, Durdham Down, St. Vincent's Rocks, 
Horfield, Stapleton, Downend, &c. would furnish 
stone enough to build and pave a city larger than 
Babylon, which Heredotus declares was so very ex- 
tensive, that on its being tak a by the Persians, the 
event was unknown to man; jf its inhabitants for 
the space of several days. Fuel, and the materials 
for building, are less expensive here than at most 
other populous towns. 

Not to enlarge on the great plenty of the neces- 
saries of life, in the counties of Glocester, Somerset, 
and Wilts, which supply the inhabitants of Bristol : 
its vicinity to Wales, and the fruitful counties of Gla- 
morgan and Carmarthen, occasion a great and conti- 
nual importation of corn, cattle, pigs, poultry, salt 
butter, eggs, and fruit; besides what it receives from 
the other English counties. With all these advan- 
tages, Bristol has gradually risen to the rank of the 



7 
second city in England, for extent, population, trade, 
opulence, increase, and importence to government 
and the whole nation. The late Mr. Godwin speak- 
ing of Bristol says, — - 



Where Nature's hand, and arts improvement join, 
To make the place in useful greatness shine : 
Whose oozy banks with two great streams inlaid, 
And naval strength alternatively convey'd, 
Command the staple of the western trade. 



} 



Bristol was one of the most ancient cities in 
England before it was divided into counties. After 
that division, which became large and eminent in two 
counties, it was taken out of both and made inde- 
pendent of either. Thus singularly situated, being 
neither a county town, in any county, nor subject to 
any, but between two, and constituted independent 
in its state and government, it was termed in its anci- 
ent charters, " Villa Regalis et libera," A FREE 
AND ROYAL CITY. 



CHAP. II. 

Antiquity, Names, and earliest Accounts of Bristol, 
to William the Conqueror. 



WHEN Julius Caesar invaded Britain he found it 
widely inhabited ; and it is not improbable that it 
might have existed so for many previous ages ; but as 
the original and primitive state, popularity and his- 
tory of nations are enveloped in the darkness and 
obscurity of years, it would be fruitless to form con- 
jectures upon that which seems only to be known to 
the great omniscient Creator. It is evident, however, 
that the inhabitants must have occupied particular 
places ; and not less evident that they chose the 
most convenient. And there is no doubt but that 
many of our best situated towns and cities were ori- 
ginally begun by the native Britons ; especially 
those places situated on the banks of rivers, from the 
easy intercourse which they afforded between distant 
spots, with many other advantages that are likely to 
promote health and comfort. There is great reason 
to conclude that very long before the invasion of the 
Romans, such an advantageous, eligible situation as 
that on which the ancient city was built, had not 
escaped the notice of the Britons, and that it had 
been an elected and esteemed place of habitation. 
Standing on a pleasing, moderate eminence betw^n 
two rivers ; watered by the confluence of the risers 
on three sides ; being so convenient for defence and 
security, having such an easy communication with 
the ocean by its channel, and the inland parts of 
England by the Avon and Severn, there is no doubt 
but that our British ancestors had been invited to fix 
their seat here in the earliest times under the name 



9 
of Caer Brito, i. e. the British city, however rudely 
or rurally it might have been constructed. 

For we learn from the attentive and accurate 
C&sar, that their buildings were numerous, and poor 
rude cottages constructed of mud or hurdles, that 
their towns were sometimes fenced with trees ; and 
gave the names of town or city to certain thick woods 
which they inhabited and fortified with rampiers and 
ditches, and to which they made their retreat and 
resort when invaded by their enemies. Such we may 
suppose was Caer Brito in its original state, forti- 
fied with trees, rivers, and perhaps walls of mud ; 
existing many years before the given time of Belinus 
and Brennus, the sons of Molmutius Dunwallo, who 
(according to GeofTry of Monmouth) lived 380 years 
before the commencement of the Christian era. 
Dunwallo son of Cludo, duke of Cornwall, was the 
first reputed king of the Britons, and was crowned 
in the year 3522. He was well beloved by his sub- 
jects, and established good laws, which were trans- 
lated from the British into the Latin language. He 
built the Temple of Peace in New Troy, now Lon- 
don : he measured the length and breadth of the 
British Island ; and built the city by the river Usk, 
and called it Care Lleon ar Wysk, now Caerleon on 
the Usk, which was then the chief city and metropo- 
lis of Great Britain, and was also called second 
Rome from its being so noble a city. He was the 
first king of the Britons who wore a crown of gold ; 
and the first who made weights to buy and sell by : 
in this island he reigned 40 years, and was buried at 
New Troy (London). — See Fabians History. 

Brennus and Belinus jointly reigned for some time, 
Brennus possessing the northern, and Belinus the 
southern parts, and Wales; but Brennus being' desir- 
ous to rule the whole, prepared for war against his 
brother; but their mother finding them determined, 
she interfered, and presenting her bosom open, de- 
sired them to plunge their spears there, or make 
peace upon the ground, which so affected them, that 
they immediately complied, and divided the kingdom 

C 



10 

between them again : Belinus ruled Ms subjects mild 
and religions, according to the Druid ical system; he 
made Denmark pay him tribute ; he made a gate in 
London, called Billings-gate; and built the Tower 
of London. At last Brennus gave up his right to 
his brother, and went over to France to king Sigyus, 
who honored him to the utmost for his natural parts 
and valour in war. lie gave him his daughter to 
wife, and made him his chief councellor. He accom- 
panied the king to Rome, and there died. Belinus 
reigned twenty-six years at the time of his death, 
when his corpse was burned, put in an urn, embalm- 
ed, and placed upon the pinacle of Billing's-gate. 
Belinus is said to have made several roads and high- 
ways in Britain, the easier to maintain a communica- 
tion in the country. A work professing to be ancient, 
speaking of the foundation of Bristol, ascribes it to 
Belinus, ''the rodes, or grete waies, formyd hie kinge 
Belyne, the Breton, doe hereabouts apere." 

It does not appear that the Britons had any build- 
ings of stone or bricks ; and we are informed that the 
Romans first taught them to build walls of stone. As 
Caer Brito was walled round, and a place of account 
in the fifth century, when the Romans left Britain, it 
incontrovertibly follows, that the Romans taught and 
assisted them to fortify with a wall of stone, and plan 
their city, between the rivers. The Romans gene- 
rally laid out their incipient towns in four streets, 
directing to the four cardinal points, which was and 
is the plan of the internal and most ancient parts of 
Bristol ; also Chester and other places of Roman 
foundation. That the city existed antecedently to 
the invasion of the Romans is evident from the name 
by which it was called, Caer Brito, the British City, 
to distinguish it from their castle and camps on Clif- 
ton, Leigh, and Durdham Downs, which were called 
Abone from the name of the river. 

The Emperor Claudius Drusus made an expedition 
into Britain, where for his clemency the Britons erect- 
ed a temple and altar to his name and fame. From 
his regard to the country he named his son Brittani- 



11 

cus. His general here was Ostorius Scapula. And 
that Ostorius was the cause of a Roman fortification, 
castrum or castle at Clifton, we shall produce the 
following proofs : — Tacitus, the Roman historian says, 
"that Ostorius about the year of Christ 50, extended 
his victorious arms upon the banks of the Severn, and 
secured that river and the Avon. " And in another 
place, "The General Ostorius took away the arms 
of those who were suspected, and restrained those on 
the rivers Avon and Severn, surrounding them with 
camps." The word twice translated Avon is in the 
Latin, Antona ; and it is generally agreed among 
modern historians and antiquarians, that it signifies 
the Avon of Bristol. These camps we are told "were 
to restrain the Cangi. After "he had fallen on them 
and ravaged almost as far as the Irish Sea, he placed 
governors over the Severn and Antona, which was a 
river emptying itself into the Severn." The Cangi 
were a clan or race of bold Britons who inhabited 
Somersetshire, and whose capital seat was Keynsham. 
That their volour gave Ostorius some trouble we may 
learn from the following passage from Tacitus, or 
some other credible historian (I cannot now recollect 
whom) "The Cangi performed great exploits against 
Ostorius." Camden was of opinion that Antona was 
put for the Warwickshire Avon, but it was certain it 
was not, by Ostorius's pursuit of them almost as far 
as the Irish Sea, which plainly points out to us the 
coasts of Somerset, Devon, and perhaps part of 
Cornwall. So that the Cangi, and his persuit of them, 
were not to the north, but the south of the river Avon. 
And therefore the Cangi could not be affected by 
camps in Warwickshire, or Glocestershire. Besides 
the frequent occurrence of the syllables Cain, Caun 
or Cang in Somersetshire, sufficiently prove it to have 
been their place of residence. There are Cainsham, 
Wincanton, Caundle, Cannington, Canningham, Can- 
ningford, Quantock, &c. Whereas there is not any 
town or parish in Glocestershire that hath any simi- 
lar nomination. Coins of the Roman emperors ha\e 
been found at Quantock, Conquest, Brent Knoll, &c. 



12 

Having proved that Somersetshire was the seat of 
the Cangi, it follows that Antona of Tacitus was the 
Avon of Caer Brito ; and also that Os tori as built the 
camp, castle, or fortification at Clifton, &c. All the 
Roman encampments, forts, or stations were set on 
hills, that the soldiers may be able to discry the ap- 
proach of the enemy ; and as the Romans were in an 
enemy's country, that they might be ever on the 
watch, and keep a good look out. What could be a 
litter situation for the fortress than such a hill as 
Clifton, which is three hundred feet in perpendicular 
heigth from the river ; is the loftiest eminence about 
Bristol that is so near it ; and commands a view of 
the country all around, Glocestershire and Mon- 
mouthshire, and fine views of the gentle Severn, 
pouring its silver waves, amid lofty hills, which seem 
to intercept the progress of the very clouds. 

In the Itinerary of Antoninus, a station or camp of 
the Romans was noticed by the name of A bone or 
Avone, (the British name of the river) situated be- 
tween Aquae Solis, the waters of the sun, i. e. Bath, 
and the river Severn, which could be no other than 
the camp or castle at Clifton. For when you are on 
Clifton Hill, turn your eyes to the east, and you see 
Bath and beyond it ; — to the west, and you see the 
Severn ; so that this fortress was in a strait line from 
Bath to the mouth of the Severn ; and was incontes- 
tably the A bone of Antoninus. 

But this hill of Clifton was not spacious enough to 
contain the whole Roman army, who were encamped 
around, on Durdham Down, about Westbury, Kings- 
weston, and Henbury. All of these settlements here- 
about had one name Abone, from the river. It is 
further remarkable, that under Kings weston hill, near 
to the river, was a common field called Avon's Town, 
as mentioned in the rental of Sir Ralph Sad Her, dated 
36, Henry VI II. " One acre in Campo Abone 
Town." Mere have been found coins of Nero, Ves- 
pasian, Constantine, &c. 

In a manuscript of Abel Wanlcr, in the Bodleian 
library it is written, " At Pollbury, where Trim goeth 






13 

into the Avon, much coin hath been found, conjec- 
tured to be the ancient station of the Romans, be- 
tween Bath and Avington (or Avon's town) mentioned 
by Antoninus the emperor, in his journal book." 
These and the great number of Roman coins that 
have been found at Henbury, of which there is a long 
and particular list in Barrett's History of Bristol, 
were incontrovertible proofs that the Romans were 
here, and had a camp and station by the Avon, the 
work of Ostorius, the Roman Propraetor under Clau- 
dius. And it is probable that many of them might be 
in garison on the hills in the Summer ; and that in the 
severe weather of Winter the greater part might be 
encamped under the hills for a considerable extent 
of country. 

William of Worcester, parish priest of St. James's, 
Bristol, who wrote in 1480, and mentioned the forti- 
fied camp on Clifton bill, adds (as translated from the 
Latin) " And that such a fortress was in all likelihood 
there in ancient times, there remains to this day, in a 
great circle, a heap of stones great and small, scat- 
tered and spread abroad. It is very wondeiful ta 
behold these stones globularly lying in such order, 
and in a great circle : for there seems to have been 
a very strong castrum (or castle) which is said to 
have been for some hundred years past, and is now 
levelled with the ground. And it is therefore an 
honour and ornament to my native country, Bristol, 
to have or hear of the foundation of such noble for- 
tresses and camps. 1 write this for the sake of com- 
memorating this camp or fortress." The remains of 
this camp were certainly more evident three hundred 
years ago than they are at present, but the aggera 
and ditches are still to be seen, and the limits to be 
traced and ascertained. Many coins of Nero, Domi- 
tian, Trajan, and other emperors have been dug up 
there. Also, when Sir William Draper levelled the 
ground near to the camp, a curious Roman urn with 
two handles, tiles, bricks, and broken potshords were 
found there. In 1783, Roman coins were found in 
digging the foundation of the new houses near to 



14 

those remains of the camp, which are still left for the 
speculation of the curious. Coins have been found in 
making Seamill dock, and in ploughing the adjacent 
fields. Art and nature joined to render the castle on 
Clifton a most impregnable fortress, as it was secur- 
ed on one side by a terrible precipicce and the river; 
and on the other by fences and ditches. 

Lcland, and several other authors inform us, that 
Bristol was called Caer Oder, or Oter, IN ante Badon: 
i. e. the city Oder in the valley of Bath. But he adds, 
" As Nante signifies a place in which a river flows, 1 
should therefore read it, Nante Avon, from that river; 
which maybe conjectured from a place in Antoninus 
Itinerary, called Abone or Avone, the name of a 
city." 

Baxter, in his Glossary, writes thus, u The city 
Caer Brito, was, by the Britons, called Caer Oder, 
i. e. Civitas Limit is, a frontier city ; which agrees 
with its situation as a frontier town of defence for the 
Britons before they were driven into Wales." We 
may infer, from what Baxter has laid down, that Caer 
Brito was the original name of the city. And it ap- 
pears that subsequently it was called Caer Oder, out 
of compliment to Ostorius, who commanded here, 
and was finally victorious. As he caused fortifica- 
tions to be raised in many places along the Avon, 
above and below Bristol, the Britons gave the name 
of Caer Odera, i. e. Castrum Ostorii, to that city. 
This appears to be the most probable conjecture, that 
from him they named their town Caer Ostera, and by 
dropping the letter s, which was quite common 
among them, Caer Oter, or Otera. And to strengthen 
this opinion, we may add that Aust Passage was, in 
Doomsday book, made by order of William the Con- 
queror, at about 10(j8, called Austor Clive, retaining 
the name of Ostorius, without the Latin termination. 

The origin of the name Bristow, is Caer Brito, the 
British town or city ; thus nominated to distinguish 
it from the Roman station Abone, on the hills ; and 
on account of its being inhabited by the Britons, un- 
der' the protection and government of the Romans. 



15 

The first name of the city still prevailed, and Caer 
Oter was in a series of years discontinued. 

That the Romans governed or watched over Caer 
Brito, and that their military people occupied those 
hills, now within the city, known by the names of the 
Fort and Kingsdown, may be inferred from coins of 
Constantine, Constantius, Gordian, and Tetricus, be- 
ing found at the Fort by the late Thomas Tyndall, esq. : 
and from a coin of Constantine being found four feet 
deep, in a field behind the Montague tavern, on 
Kingsdown, in 1730. So that it is probable they had 
a fort or station on the hill, which commanded a view 
of the city, and a great extent of country to and be- 
yond Aquae Solis, i. e. Bath. 

There is no particular imformation extant of the 
improvements that the Romans taught or assisted the 
Britons to make in their city, Brito ; but that it 
flourished and improved we learn from the following 
testimonies ; Anderson, in his History of Commerce, 
printed in the year 176*4, vol. I. pages 18 and 80, in- 
forms us, that " Brito wns reckoned by Gildas among 
the fortified and eminent cities of Britain, so early as 
the year 430." Gildas was an ancient British histo- 
rian, who died in the year 570, and he mentions 
twenty-eight cities famous in ancient times, and Caer 
Brito as one of them. This was after the Romans 
had left the island, and therefore it must have been 
a place of considerable account in the fifth century. 
NenniuS) about the year i}10, expressly mentions 
Caer Brito as one of the twenty-eight cities ; and 
ttcde, who died in 734, says, " Britain was famous in 
ancient times, for twenty-eight most noble cities, 
furnished with gates and strong bolts, walls, and 
towers," sufficient for defence, before the invention 
of powder and cannon. So that, from the evidence 
produced, a doubt cannot remain, that Caer Brito 
had h^en inhabited by thq Ihitons before the invasion 
of Caesar ; and was afterwards walled and fortified 
by the Romans. 

Theodocius was the last Roman emperor that had 
power in Britain. For, about 423, the Goths made 



16 

dreadful devastations in the empire ; and forced the 
Romans to leave their conquests, after they had com* 
manded here for almost 500 years, when they took 
their last farewell. But they had levied so many 
soldiers for foreign countries that the land was very 
much depopulated ; so that the Britons were obliged 
to call in the Saxons against their enemies, the Picts ; 
and having overcome them, the Saxons made a com- 
plete conquest of the whole country. Leland, (that 
sedulous and judicious antiquarian, who wrote in the 
reign of Henry the VIII,) says, concerning this city, 
" Aucta est a Saxonibus." It was increased by the 
Saxons. Its name also has some little change made 
in it, by the addition of the Saxon termination, stow 
or place, and was called for many years, Brystowe, 
for that Bristowe till nearly to the close of the last 
century ; and from the latinized nominations, Bristolia, 
or Bristolium, modernly BRISTOL.— Note, The 
Saxons landed here, A. D. 450. About the year 
596, Pope Gregory the Great sent Agustine, a 
Monk, with forty other missionaries, to convert the 
Britons. These landed at the Isle of Thanet; one of 
whom, Saint Jordan, was sent to Bristol, to preach 
the gospel there, where he died and was buried. 
This serves to prove, that Bristol was noticed in the 
sixth century as a populous and important place. 

Lcland has left on record thus : — " At St. Augus- 
tine's black Channons, extra Mcenia, ibiquein magna 
area, estSacellum in quo sepultus esl,Sanctus Jordanus 
unus ex Discipulis, Augustini Anglo rum Apostoli." 
Thus translated — At the Monastery of Saint Augustine, 
and there in a large area, in a chapel, in which ivas 
buried Saint Jordan, one of the deciplcs of Augustine, 
the apostle of the English nation. The church of this 
Monastery is the present Cathedral ; and the large area 
is College green, which was a place of burial for the 
Monastery. Camden also in his Britannia, mentions 
Saint Jordan, and calls him the companion of Augus- 
tine, the apostle of the English, and narrates that he 
was interred here, but differs from Leland in the 
situation of his tomb. Saint Augustine converted 



17 
Ethelbert, the first king' of Kent, (who died A. D. 
016) to the Christian Faith; and was the first arch- 
bishop of Canterbury. The Monastery afterwards 
erected here was dedicated to St. Augustine, in 
Commemoration of his sending Jordan as a Mission- 
ary to Bristol. 

After the coming of the Saxons, this city was 
much enlarged, had an external and second wall built 
about some parts of it, where it had been increased, 
and became the principal seaport* mart, fortress and 
capital of the West-Saxon kingdom. 

Hollingshead says, that King Alfred, in the fifth 
year of his reign, drove the Danes from Exeter to 
Dartmouth, where they took shipping, and that he 
dispersed others, "some of whom tied to Chippen- 
ham, and some to Bristowe." A. D 876. 

According to Stow, in the year 915, a great navy of 
Danes sailed about the west country, landed in divers 
places, taking great prey, and went to their ships 
again. King Edward the elder, son of Alfred, for 
defence of the city and country, built a castle at the 
mouth of the Avon. 

Leland informs us that about the year 900, Ayl- 
ward, (surnamed Sneaw, or Snow, from his fair com- 
plexion) a valliant Saxon nobleman, of great rank 
and fortune, and related to King Edward, senior, 
t'was Lord of Brightstowe, and founder of the Mo- 
nastery of Cranbourne," and also of some consider- 
able and principal buildings of Bristol, of which more 
hereafter. His son Algar succeeded him to the 
lordship of Bristol, by hereditary right ; and after 
them, Brictric or Brightrick. He was a very weal- 
thy man, resided much at Bristol, greatly distin- 
guished, repaired and improved it, and was its last 
lord, or governor, before the conquest. 

In the year 1051, in the reign of Edward the Con- 
fessor, (as we learn from Simon of Durham) Harold 
and Leofwine, the sons of earl Godwin, were pro- 
scribed : on which they fled to Brystowe, and went 
on board a ship that their brother Swayne had pre- 
pared for them, and were carried into Ireland. 

D 



18 

In 1063, (according to Florence of Worcester,) 
Harold, duke of Kent and Sussex, and afterwards 
king, embarked with his forces on board a fleet at 
Brystowe, and set sail from thence to invade Wales, 
to take revenge on GrifTyth, king of Wales, between 
whom and Harold there was a great enmity. 

In Doomsday Book, finished in the year 1086, by 
direction of William the Conqueror, and which is 
still in existence among the records in the tower, the 
people of Bristol were stiled Burgesses ; a sufficient 
proof of the importance of the place at that period. 
The entry concerning Bristol is thus translated from 
the Latin ; " Bristou, with Barton, an adjoining farm, 
paid to the king 110 marks of silver; (£73 6s. 8d.) 
and the Burgesses returned, that bishop G. had 33 
marks and one of gold (£28)." It was then rated 
higher than any city or town in England, except 
London, York and Winchester. Robert, the rhyming 
monk, of Glocester, reckons Bristoe among the chief 
towns of this land. 

The furste Lords and Maisters that yn yis londe were, 
And the chiffe Tonnes furste they lete arer, 
London and Evenvyk, Lincolne and Leycestre, 
Cochestre and Canterbyre, Bristoe and Worcestre, 

Note. — Everwyk is pnt for York, which was the 
Eboracum of the Romans. And Bristoe is placed 
before Worcester, which is very ancient, and was 
built by and was the Bravonium of the Romans. 

The Bishop G. mentioned above, was Godfrey, Bi- 
shop of Constance, who was at that time Custos, 
keeper or proprietor of the castle. 

Thus the most difficult part of the History of Bris- 
tol is treated of, and its antiquities deduced from the 
best, and most valid authorities that are extant. 



CHAP. III. 

Castle of Bristol. 



IN the early times of the History of Britain, when 
different Conquerors had possessed themselves of the 
land, a spirit of jealousy of a neighbouring Chiefs 
extent of power, might dictate the idea of preserva- 
tion to an equally aspiring mind ; strong holds would 
in consequence be formed ; and instead of that cor- 
dial union subsisting, which is the very soul and ex- 
istence of a State, each that could, would recede into 
a stern and sullen independency. 

Whether this was the occasion pf the first erection 
of a castle at Bristol, cannot rightly be ascertained : 
its original founder is unknown ; but that it might pri- 
marily be the reason, does not seem impossible. 

Camden, although of a disposition industrious, 
clearly and rightfully endeavouring; to exhibit the 
true condition, nature and sense of the antiquities he 
surveyed, was evidently eronious in asserting', that 
Robert Kufus, earl of Glocester (natural son of Henry 
the 1st), was the founder; for in the year 1088, it was 
mentioned by Roger Ovedon as "Castrum fortissi- 
mum, " a very strong castle. And if it were so very 
strong only 22 years after the conquest, there cannot 
be a question concerning its previous existence for a 
long time. Another proof of Camden's mistake is, 
that it was held by Godfrey, bishop of Constance, and 
Robert de Mowbray, earl of Northumberland, in a 
rebellion against King William Rufus, in 1088, before 
Henry the 1st, father of earl Robert, was arrived at 
man's estate. 

Barrett, in his history of Bristol, seems to think 
that King Edward was the founder of its castle 



20 
(which docs not exactly follow from Stow, as men- 
tioned in the latter part of the second chapter) 
and for evidence, has recourse to the compositions 
produced by Thomas Chalterlon. In making this 
reference, the weighty historian discovers a pitiful 
disposition to rest his arguments apon assertions 
which he formerly appeared to consider suspicious ; 
and unworthy to extort them by threats and promises 
from the hands of Chatterton, neglecting to reward 
the instrument of his information. If "they were 
genuine, the poor youth certainly deserved encou- 
ragement for Ins communication, which it is well 
known was never sufficiently afforded him; but if 
spurious, it is strange the pompous antiquarian should 
cite them ! But be this as it may, the matter contain- 
ed m the old prose works produced as Rowley's and 
lurgots, is very interesting, and certainly must have 
had some other origin than mere imagination 

Rowley's MS. says -The outer walle of the castle 
stooden ynne the daies of Williamme Conquerere- the 
square castle wythynne was ybyklehne by Robyrte 
Connesul of Gloucestre, as bee the crosse ynne the 
area, and the small stronge holde whyche was thenne 
a watche towre, ecKe the two watche towrettes wyth- 
ynne the walle of the ould castle. The stron- holde 
ystondeth atte dystaunce from the outre walle of the 
ould castle onne boncke of Avon, havyng fyrste a 
square walle of yttes own, and yn the same twayne 
of buildyngs of this make ] meetynge at these [ 1" 

Earl Robert it is evident was not the founder yet 
he repaired and rebuilt come parts of it, and o Te atly 
added to its strength : erected a palace and other 
houses in it ; and a magnificent tower, scarcely to be 
equalled in England ; and encompassed the whole 
with strong Avails devoting every tenth stone to the 
building of the priory of St. James, in which he was 
buried 1147. 

Leland informs us, that Robert built part of it ; and 
" that the great dungeon tower was made of stone 
brought out of Normandie, by the redde earl of 



21 

Its antiquity we may rely was very great. It must 
have had many governors, constables, and wardens, 
in the early times; but as they cannot all rightly be 
ascertained, we shall content ourselves with mention- 
ing Ella, who was lord of the Castle about the year 
920. He is said to have died in the Castle, of 
wounds received in battle with the Danes. 

The following Poem (whether genuine or not) 
made to the memory of this hero, we should suppose 
will not be displeasing to our readers ; it is ascribed 
to the pen of 'T. Rowlie.' 

gonqe tot dSYxa. 

Lorde of the Castel of Brystoicc ynn daics of yore. 

OH thou, or whate remaynes of thee, 
ELLA, the dailynge of futurity, 
Lett thys mie song bold as tbie courage be 
As everlastyng to posteriiie. 

Whanne Dacy's sons, whose hayres of bloude-red hue 
Lyche kynge-cuppes burstinge with the mornyng dewe, 

Arraung'd in drear arraie, 

Upon the lethale daie, 
Spread far and wyde on Watchett's shore ; 

Then dyd'st thou furyous stande, 

And bie tbie valyant hand, 
Besprenged all the meeds withe gore. 

Drawne bie tbie anluce fell, 

Downe to the depthes of helle, 

Thousands of Dacians went ; 
Brystowanes men of myghte, 
Ydar'd the bloudye fyghte, 

And acted deeds full qucnte, 

O thoue, wherere (thie bones at reste) 

Tbie spryte to haunte delyghtelh beste, 
Whetherre upon the bloude embrewed pleyne, 

Or where thou knnst from farre 

The horrid eric of wane, 
Or seest some mountaine made of corse of sleyne; 

Or seest the hatched steed, 
Y-prauncynge o'er the raeede, 
And neighe to be among the poyntcd specres j 



22 

Or ynn blacke armour stalke arounde, 
Ymbattled Rrystowe, once thie grounde, 
Ande glowe ardurous onne the CASTEL steeres; 

Or fierie round the Mynster glare; 

Stylle let Brystowe be made thie care; 
Guarde ytt froome foemune and consumynge fyre; 

Like Avone's streeme ensyrke ytt rounde, 

Ne lette a flame enharme the grounde, 
Tylle ynne one flame all the whole worlde expyre. 

King William Rufus, for service done to him by 
Robert Fitzhaymon, gentleman of his bedchamber, 
gave him the earldom of Glocester, with the Castle 
of Bristol appendant to it : he had no son, but four 
daughters ; Mable, the eldist, was a great heiress, 
and a lofty dame. This lady, king Henry I. married 
to his son Robert, who in 1110 was Lord of Bristol 
by marriage and creation ; Fitzhaymon dying in 1 107. 
Robert, monk of Glocester, gives a curious account 
of king Henry's courting the lady for his son, who 
refused him, as first, for want of a title. 

Sir, sheo said, ich wote your herte upon mee is, 

JVlore for myne heritage, than for myselfe I wis : 

And such heritage as ich have, hit weer to me great shame, 

To take a Lord, but he hadde any surname ; 

Damoseill, quoth the Kyng, thou seest well in this case 

Sir Robert Fitz Iiayme thi Fader's name was: 

As fayre a name he shall have, as you may see; 

Sir Robert le Fi*z Roy shall his name be: 

Damoseiil, he say'd, thi Lord shall have a name, 

For him and for his heires fayre without blame; 

For Robert Erie of Glocester, his name shall be and is, 

Hee shall be Erie of Glocester, and his heires I 

Inne this forme, quoth shee, ich wole, that all mie thyi 



and is, "J 
wis V 

ihyng be his. 3 



In the battle of Lincoln, king Stephen was taken 
prisoner by earl Robert, who sent him to the empress 
Maud, then a Glocester, from whence she ordered 
the king to Bristol castle, where he was at first treat- 
ed gently, but afterwards laid irons, on pretence of 
haivng been seen beyond the bounds of his confine- 
ment. The earl himself was also taken prisoner near 
Winchester, and was esteemed an equal ransom for 



23 

the king, who was released, after nine months impri- 
sonment, 1141. The king, for his greater dignity was 
released first, and the queen, with one of her sons, 
and two lords, was kept in the castle as hostages, 
from the time of the king's being released, till the 
earl was also returned to his friends at Bristol, when 
he set the queen and hostages free. 

It was not until 1130, that earl Robert began to 
rebuild, improve, and strengthen this ancient castle, 
celebrated by Roger of Hovedon, forty-two years 
before. Avery strong castle could not be the work of a 
day ; it was certainly of very ancient foundation. 
Aylward Sneaw, who was lord of Bristol about the 
year 900, and said to be * vir in armus strennus', a 
man of great prowess ; or Brictric his grandson, were 
both very partial to Bristol, and great builders and 
repairers of it, might have commenced or improved 
so considerable a work. An incontestible proof, that 
Brictric carried on capital operations at Bristol may 
be found in some Latin verses, taken from a Chronicle 
of Tewkesbury, quoted by Dugdale, in Monasticon, 
vol. I. page 161. Thus translated : 

I Brictric, ere the conquest, the last Lord, 
This Temple founded ; with heart's free accord, 
I built up Bristow, for this very cause. 
To honour him who dv'd upon the Cross, 

The Temple refers to the great old church at 
Tewkesbury, one of the largest in England that is not 
a cathedral ; and the last line, either to the general 
worship of Christ, or to some particular religious 
foundation erected by Brictric ; or to the four most 
ancient streets of Bristol, which are built in the form 
of a cross. 

We have seen a manuscript, containing many very 
interesting accounts respecting the city of Bristol, 
and from it take leave to present our readers with a 
poetical effusion, which has this Brictric for its subject. 
This piece, from its actique habiliments, appears to 
wish to be considered the voice of other days; but 
leaving to the critic to decide, its animated strain, 



24 

and application to the matter immediately under our 
notice, will sufficiently warrant its insertion. 



4* 



£ouqc." 



H Once Vyncaite Egworoltonne, barde divyne, 
As twylight grey 'gan perin, high astoode j 

Ilk grofilen ftye Iyth'd to his harpys clyne; 

As swete ihe minstrclle sunge by Avone's flood. 

Ilayle! thee Brictric, fam'd of yore, 

Inn thee grete Beystowe's chiefe ys sene 

Renownyd wyghte of mockcll lore, 

Thie norae yn honor's rolL uyl s'hene ! 

Yf Avone's sylver streme alonge, 

Thie epryte at evenynge houre shoulde hie, 

Acceptan, mightie shade, mie songe, 
Whyles every delle the dyn replie. 

W T han foemen Danes of adern bredd, 

Withe ruyn all thys londe spread o'er, 
Brystowan chiefes bie thee on led, 

Their launcies brued in daucyan gore. 

Ble Avone clere , a doughtie bande, 
I ken in warlyke dyghtements stande ; 
Deihe in all hys horrors see, 
Ten thousande terrors round him flee, 
Beneathe hys fotsteps shake the pleyne, 
Hee staulks grym monarche of the sleyne; 

I ken thie bannyr beate the ayre ; 
I ken thie purpore-pointed spire; 

Thie ploomys swangethe whyte; 
Thie stele lyke leyyn dredful gleeme; 
The rocks, the woods return the cleeme; 

Confusion markes the fyghle. 

The Battle's done — the fremed Daucyans flie j 

The Mynstrelles tune the laie ; 
Conqueste oponn thie helaiune sytteethe highe, 
In alle her crymsone arraie; 
Fayre Poesie, swete mayde ! thejoieous songe shal rays, 
Ande agys yette toe come aloude shall chaunte thie prayse!'' 

In the reign of Edward the Confessor, the Danes? 
ravaged the sea coasts : to which circumstance with- 
out doubt the above poem refers. 



25 

An embattled wall was the first outwork of defence 
round the city ; till at the eastern part, where it was 
not moated by the river, the castle afforded it protec- 
tion. Then were the two communications made be- 
tween the Avon and Froom, to the east and west; 
that to the east is still remaining, though partly arch- 
ed over, and that to the west, now destroyed, was a 
very deep trench from the water below where New- 
gate stood, to the Avon ; over the middle of this, 
near to St. Peter's church, was a draw-bridge, leading 
from the castle gate to the town. The circumference 
of the water around it was at least half a mile, accord- 
ing to William of Worcester, 1*225 yards. It had 
very strong walls, with battlements, and a sally-port 
leading into the scite of the present Queen street. 

Concerning the great tower, we shall quote the 
following passage from William of Worcester. " The 
Tour, called the Dongeon, ys in length, este and 
west, 60 feet, and north and south, 45 feet ; with 
fowr tours standing upon the fowr corners ; the 
mightyest tour above all the fowr tours ys 5 fethem 
hygh abofe all the fowr tours; and the wallys be in 
thykness there 6 fote." 

The Castle itself, excluding the outworks, was 540 
feet from east to west, and 300 from north to south. 
There were, in the two great courts of the castle, 
many towers, a church, and a magnificent chapel for 
the king ; a palace, a royal hall, thirty-six yards long 
and eighteen broad ; a prince's chamber, seventeen 
yards by nine. The principal buildings stood on an 
area of three acres and three quarters of ground, ex- 
clusive of houses, barracks, gardens, courts, yards, 
and other accommodations for the officers and garison. 
Leland informs us, that the great tower stood in the 
north-west part of the castle, and that in his time, 
about the 20th of Henry the V11I. the whole was de- 
caying and teading to ruin. Theonly apparent remains 
is near Castle street : here are two Saxon arches, with 
ribbed roofs of stone, which have the appearance of a 
portch to a church, or magnificient hall, but now 
support the bouses, of 20 and 21 Castle green. 

E 



2G 
In the reign of king Stephen, the robbers and free- 
booters of the castle, both horse and foot, committed 
great depredations on the city and country : for the 
castle was exempt from the jurisdiction of the city, and 
under its own governors, who might sometimes be 
absent, or connive at the insults of the military. In 
the reign of king John, the Castle was annexed to 
the crown, and from thenceforth, the kings of Eng- 
land reserved it to their own use, choosing the con- 
stable and other officers, and appointing them salaries 
and perquisites. In this king's reign, Eleanor of Bre- 
tagne, the lawful heiress of the English crown, was 
imprisoned nearly forty years in the castle. This 
circumstance has given rise to a very beautiful elegy 
by the rural Shenstone. The reader will find some 
notes concerning the Castle in the historical part. 
And to these we shall add, that at the reformation, 
1549, the inhabitants of the west country and of 
Bristol being tumultuous, the Castle and walls were 
repaired, fortified and mounted with cannon; and 
guard kept day and night to prevent any surprize or 
insurrection. This reformation, which was but par- 
tial, and inadequate to the corruptions of the then 
Popish Church of England, both in doctrine and 
practice, occasioned several formidable and danger- 
ous rebellions. So tenacious are the populous for 
their ancient errors and usages, however inconsistent 
with reason and propriety. Our erroneous ancestors 
held as sacred superstition and absurdity, and deem- 
ed Reformation to be innovation ; and were types of 
their mistaken successors, who still set their faces 
against, and strenuously oppose, rational improve- 
ment and rectification of abuses, and (like the Papists) 
will never begin to be right, till they see themselves 
to have been in the wrong. In 1545, a printing press 
was set up, and a mint established in the castle ; and 
the Church plate, seized at the desolution of Monas- 
teries, was coined there. 

In 1602 a petitiou was presented to the Privy 
Council, from the mayor, &c. complaining that the 
governor (Sir John Stafford, knt.) being absent fron* 



27 

the castle, and leaving an unworthy deputy, about 
240 persons were suffered to inhabit the castle, who 
were of lewed life and conversation, and subsisted by 
begging and stealing ; and that the castle was a sanc- 
tuary, refuge, and receptical of malefactors, who flew 
hither to escape justice. In consequence of this, the 
governor was ordered to remove such persons, and 
to admit none but of good behaviour, that the city 
might not be further molested. 

The Castle continued to be part of the county of 
Glocester for 256 years after Bristol had been made 
a county of itself: but the old complaints being reviv- 
ed, of its affording an asylum to thieves, malefactors, 
and disorderly persons, and its being out of the juris- 
diction of Bristol ; and also, that no Justice of Peace 
belonging to the county, resided in or near it. In 
the year 1629, king Charles the first, at the request 
of the mayor and citizens, by a charter, entirely se- 
parated it from the county of Glocester, and made it 
a part of the city of Bristol. And in 1631, the castle, 
with all its buildings and appendages, were sold for 
ever, by the said king, to the mayor and burgesses of 
Bristol, for the sum of 959/. paid into the Exchequer 
at Westminster. 

In the begining of the war between the King and 
Parliament, 1642, the Castle was repaired, and garri- 
soned by the Parliament's army, under colonel Fien- 
nes, who was made governor. This was a place of 
great importance, as it awed all the western counties, 
and had accommodation for a large army. King 
Charles therefore was desirous to have it in his pos- 
session. The plot of Yeomans and Bouchier to de- 
liver it up, not succeeding, prince Rupert beseiged 
it ; and seeing the improbability of taking the city and 
castle by blockade, resolved to storm it, which he did 
in six different places, so effectually that the besieged, 
being unable any longer to resist, capitulated. This 
capture was dearly purchased, the king lost many of 
his most valuable officers, and five hundred of his 
best troops, at the siege ; however, he was so well 
satisfied, that he ordered a public thanksgiving on the 



23 
occasion : and when he came to Bristol on the third 
of August following; with prince Charles, the duke of 
York, and several of the nobility, the King lodged at 
the house of alderman Creswick, in Small-street, and 
the prince and duke, at alderman Holesworthy's, di- 
rectly opposite. 

After the king's defeat at the battle of Naseby, 
prince Rupert repaired to Bristol, which he found so 
well supplied with men, provisions, and ammunition, 
that he wrote to the king, assuring him he could sus- 
tain a four months' siege. From the character of the 
prince, great expectations were formed, and most 
people concluded, that he would have made a vigor- 
ous defence. Sir Thomas Fairfax having taken 
Sherborne castle, marched to Bristol, to undertake 
the siege ; but previously sent a summons to prince 
Rupert, to prevent bloodshed, which being very re- 
markable, and still preserved, we present to our 
readers. 

"TO P. RUPERT." 

"SIR, — For the service of Parliament, I have 
brought their own army before the city of Bristol ; 
and do summon you, in their names, to render it, with 
all the forts belonging to the same, into my hands for 
for their use. Having used this plain language, as 
the business requires, I wish it may be as effectual to 
you, as it is satisfactory to myself, that I do a little ex- 
postulate with you about the surrender of the same ; 
"which I confess, is a way not common, and which I 
should not have so used, but in respect to a person of 
such sort, and in such a place. 1 take into consider- 
ation your royal birth and relation to the Crown of 
England, your honor, courage, and all the virtues of 
your person, and the strength of the place which you 
may think yourself bound and able to maintain. Sir, 
the Crown of England is, and will be, where it ought to 
he ; we fight to maintain it there. But the king, mis- 
led by evil councellors, or through a seduced heart, 
lias left his Parliament and People under God, (the 



29 
best assurances of his Crown and Family:) the main- 
taining of this schism is the ground of the unhappy 
war on your part ; and what sad effects it hath pro- 
duced in the three kingdoms, is visible to all men. 

"To maintain the rights of the crown and kingdom 
jointly, the principal part is, that the king is supreme, 
who acts concerning the whole State, is not to be ad- 
vised by men of whom the law takes no notice, but 
by the Parliament, the great council of the nation, in 
whom (as much as man is capable of) he hears all his 
people, as it were, at once advising him ; and in 
which multitude of councellors lies his safety and his 
people's interest. To set him right in this hath been 
the constant and faithful endeavour of the Parliament; 
and to bring those wicked instruments to justice, 
who have misled him, is a principal ground of our 
fighting. 

"Sir, if God make this clear to you, as he hath to 
us, I doubt not but he will give you a heart to deliver 
this place ; notwithstanding all the considerations of 
honor, courage, and fidelity, because their consistan- 
cy, and use in the present business, depend upon the 
right and wrongfulness of what has been said ; and if 
upon such conviction you should surrender the city, 
and save the loss of blood, and hazard of spoiling such 
a place, it would be an act glorious in itself and joyful 
to us, for the restoring you to the endeared affections 
of the Parliament and People of England, the truest 
friends to your family it hath in the world. 

" But if this be hid from your eyes, and so great, 
so famous, and so ancient a city, so full of people, be 
exposed, through your wilfulness, in putting us to 
force the same, to the ruin and extremity of war, 
(which yet we shall, in that case, as much as possible, 
endeavour to prevent), then I appeal tc the righteous 
(Sod to judge between you and us, and to requite 
the wrong. And let all England judge, whether to 
burn its towns, and ruin its cities, and distroy its 
people, be a good requittal fron a person of your 
family, which have had the prayers, tears, money, 
and blood of the Parliament; and if you look on 



30 
either as now divided, both ever had the same party in 
Parliament, and among* the people, most zealous" for 
their assistance and restitution, which you now op- 
pose and seek to distroy ; and whose constant grief 
hath been, that their desire to serve your family hath 
been ever hindered and made fruitless by that same 
party about his majesty, whose councils you act, and 
whose interest you pursue in this unnatural war. 

"I expect your speedy answer to this summons, by 
the return of the bearer this evening, and am 

Your Highnesses humble srvant, 

Sept. 4, 1645. THO. FAIRFAX." 

Prince Rupert, in a short answer, desired no know 
if he might be permitted to sent a messenger to the 
king, which Fairfax denying, he offered to surrender 
the place upon condition, " that every man should 
march away in the height of honor, with their arms, 
colours flying, drums, trumpets, and as much powder 
and match as they could carry about them : with bag, 
baggage, horse, arms, ten guns, and fifty barrels of 
powder. Lastly, the lines and fortifications to be 
slighted, and the city to be no more a garison." 
This, Fairfax would not admit of, and made prepara- 
tions for a storm : and the city being set on fire in 
several places, a trumpet came from the Prince to 
desire a parley, and he was forced as last, to surren- 
der; and on Thursday, September 11, he marched 
out of the great fort, and also many ladies and gen- 
tlemen. Lieutenant-general Cromwell, sent to the 
Parliament a long account of the taking of Bristol, 
caling it "the work of the Lord, which none but an 
athiest could deny, for they had taken it, with the loss 
of only about 200 men." During the siege, Sir T. 
Fairfax, and Oliver Cromwell, were both sitting on 
the top of Prior's hill Fort, a ball was shot from a 
piece of ordnance in the castle, and grazed upon the 
fort, within two hands breadth of them, so narrow 
was their escape. 

The kiii£ was so vexed at this loss, and the trifling 
efforts made by the prince to preserve so important a 



31 

city, that he revoked all his commissions, and wrote 
to him to quit the kingdom immediately; but on the 
prince, justifying his own conduct, was afterwards 
reconciled. 

The two last constables of the castle were Major- 
general Skipton and Mr. Adrian Scroop. The for- 
mer was the person commissioned by the Parliament 
to carry ^£200,000 to the Scots, to obtain the surren- 
der of king Charles, which was effected in the year 
1646; and the latter was executed at Charing-cross, 
after the Restoration, for being one of the High-court 
of Justice who sentenced Charles the 1, to death. 

After Oliver Cromwell was proclaimed Protector, 
he sent orders for the demolition of the Castle of 
Bristol, which was began in Janunry 1655, and the 
whole was razed to the ground, scarsely any vestiges 
of it being now remaining. In 1656, a road and pre- 
parations for a street to the Old market were made 
through the Castle ; before this, the common road was 
through Narrow Wine street and the Broad wear, to 
the county of Glocester. Thus was this fortress, 
which had been deemed impregnable in former ages, 
(before the invention of gunpowder) which has made 
such a distinguished figure in history, and been the 
subject of so much contention, totally destroyed, 
after having stood at least 600 years. It was soon 
built into streets and lanes, the principal of which 
are Castle street, Castle green, and Tower hill, now 
reckoned in the heart of the city, and constituting one 
of its principal wards. 

King Charles the II. after the battle of Worcester, 
in his several journies to conceal himself from his pur- 
suers, by the assistance of his friends, once passed 
through this city on horseback, in disguise, dressed 
like a countryman, riding before Mrs Lane, to the 
great manor-house, which stood, as Abbot's Leigh, 
near Bristol, where he lay concealed for some time, 
and used to turn the spit in the kitchen to prevent 
discovery; the block on which he sat was preserved 
there for many years. (The present mansion was built 
by, and is the residence of Philip John Miles, esq.) 



In passing through the city he could not resist an, 
inclination of turning a little out of his way to take 
a view of the castle, which had been the scene of so 
many interesting' transactions. 

Had king Charles the 1st. been of so pacific a dis- 
position as his more politic and judicious father, James 
the 1st, this nation would not have been harrassed and 
diminished by so long and distinctive a war, and his 
life might have been preserved, to the comfort of his 
family, and the felicity of the people over whom 
Providence had placed him as a magistrate. It is the 
indispensible duty, and will be found to be the truest 
interests both now, and in future days, of all kings 
and governors of countries, to study the things that 
make for peace at home and abroad ; gloriously to 
distinguish themselves and elevate their characters as 
Peace-makers, and not as Peace-breakers ; to become 
blessings to, and not plagues of society ; to be friends 
to the public, and not to be public enemies and 
destroyers ; and to lose all private interest in their 
ardent zeal for civil and religious freedom, commerce, 
riches, plenteous and cheap supplies, scientific im- 
provement, reformation and true happiness, natural 
and moral, of the nation to whom they are related, 
and for whose benefit they ought incessantly to be 
concerned. The emperor Antonius Pius, when his 
parsimonious wife expostulated with him on his liberal 
donations to the people of Rome, thus nobly an- 
swered, " Dorit you know, that noiv ive are put in 
possession of the empire, all ice have is the properly of 
the people ! — Rex est, qui beno regit; Tyrannus qui 
Populum opprimit. 



CHAP. IV. 

History of the Progressive Augmentation of the Ancient 
City ; its Walls, Gates, fyc. ; its Extent, Circumfer- 
ence, Number of Houses, and Inhabitants. 



THE ancient walled city of Caer Brito, though 
famous, and consequently populous, before the arrival 
of the Saxons, did not extend one mile in circumfer- 
ence. The conflux of people, occasioned by its early 
trade, and its growing extra connexions, rendered 
the narrow confines of its original wall incapable 
of containing the inhabitants, who began to erect 
buildings beyond it, both on the Glocester and Red- 
cliff sides of the river. The suburbs on the Gloces- 
ter side, soon made a second and external wall neces- 
sary, long before the conquest, the extent and gates 
of which we have already noticed. The plan for 
building, on the RedclifF side, was more spacious than 
that of the old town; and the buildings and inhabi- 
tants increasing there, walls and gates became as 
necessary as on the other side ; and it was very anci- 
ently thus defended, long before the first bridge, 
which was of wood, was built across the Avon. The 
large and strong castle, with its outworks, when 
completed, as it joined closely to the old town, 
and the buildings on the southern side of the river, 
inclosed by a strong wall, were great additions to the 
city, and made the circumference of the whole, at 
least, two miles and a half. The accession of the mo- 
nastery of St. Augustine, and the Gaunt's church and 
Hospital to the west, and the priory of St. James to 
to the N.W. produced an increase of inhabitants in 
these agreeable situations. Testimonials are not 

F 



34 
wanting to proue, that the trade of Bristol at those 
times was so considerable as to effectuate a rapid 
progress of its buildings and enlargement. Andrew 
de Cliesne thus discribes it as in the reign of King 
Stephen, " Est BrisLou civitas omnium frere regionis 
clvitatum oppulentissima, ($ c." i.e. "Bristow is the rich- 
est city of almost all the cities of this country, re- 
ceiving merchandize from neighbouring and foreign 
places, with the ships under sail." Lord Littleton, in 
his life of lien. II. vol. 2, p. 177, quotes William of 
Malmsbury's authority, "that Bristol was then full 
of ships from Ireland, Norway, and every part of 
Europe, which brought hither great commerce and 
much foreign wealth." And if it were a place of such 
trade so early, we may be assured that the buildings 
of the city were numerous and flourishing ; and that 
the inhabitants were so too, we need no other proof 
than the number of handsome churches (nine at least) 
that were crowded within the small compass of the 
walls of the ancient city. 

The enterprises of making a new key or haven, and 
of stopping up the former course of the Froom ; the 
building a new bridge over the Avon, (1247,) the in- 
corporation of Redcliff with the Bristol in govern- 
ment, markets and privileges, were attended with 
very beneficial consequences to the whole community, 
and made it to flourish exceedingly. The suburbs of 
Bristol increased greatly to the north and east. The 
fields and grounds under the walls to the N. and N.E. 
were regularly laid out and partly built 400 years ago. 
William of Worcester (1480) mentions Broadmead, 
Martall- street now (Merchant-street), St. James's 
back, and the Barrs now (Barrs-lane), then inhabited 
by common women. 

On account of the last increase, the church of the 
priory of St. James was made parochial in 1374; 
and the parishoners were bound by indenture to build 
a tower or belfry of stone at their own expense; 
and the bells were to be at the joint expense of the 
priory and parishoners. The unfailing growth of 
trade and foreign commerce \ the charters and privw 



35 

leges granted by various monarchs ; the dignity of 
of bishoprick, granted by Henry VIII.; the purchase, 
and addition of the castle to the city, and building it 
into streets, have all contributed to the extent, opu- 
lence, and eminence of Bristol, down towards the 
close of the last century. 

Since that time, all the buildings in the city or 
suburbs, which have a modern appearance have been 
erected. In the reign of William 111. the marsh was 
laid out for buildings : and in due time, the spacious 
square, called Queen's, and Prince's-street, were fi- 
nished and inhabited. The names of Ann-street, 
George's, and Eugene-streets, leave no doubt of the 
dates in which that large and populous suburb to the 
east was planned and built. Marlborough and Eu- 
gene-streets in St. James's : Denmark and Hanover 
streets in St. Augustine's, remind us of the times in 
which those heroes flourished ; also of the husband 
of queen Ann, and the accession of the Hanoverian 
family. The best houses in College-green, Trinity, 
and Orchard-streets, with numerous other streets and 
places of modern structure, soon followed the former. 
But the chief enlargement of the city and the Hotwells 
has been within memory, by the addition of so many 
handsome streets, and elegant buildings, that the 
whole town is, at present, a third part more extensive 
than it was forty years ago ; and the industrious inha- 
bitants have so improved their situation, that, after 
London, Bristol justly challenges the first place in 
the catalogue of English cities. 

Authorities have been already adduced to prove, 
that the ancient city, consisting principally of four 
streets, was inclosed and defended by walls and gates. 
The original gates were probably but four, to the N. 
E.S. and W. What their first names were, are now 
unknown, and it seems that St. Giles's Gate, and 
the gate in Tower lane were of subsequent date to 
the rest, erected when buildings increased in the city, 
and without it, in the time of the Saxons. The east- 
ern gate of the city was in Wine-street, at about the 
western corner of Dolphin-street, and was called 



36 

Defence Gate. The houses being increased without 
that gate to the castle, what is now Narrow Wine- 
street, was called Castle-street, in William of Wor- 
cester's time, 1480. At or near to the time in which 
the castle was repaired by the earl of Glocester, ano- 
ther gate was erected close to the castle walls for 
protection of the whole city, and the suburbs without 
Defence Gate, which was named New Gate. On the 
north-east side of this gate were the statues of Robert, 
earl of Glocester, and Godfrey, bishop of Constance, 
which, at the demolition of the gate, were preserved, 
and erected in niches at a gate, at the seat of a gen- 
tleman at Brislington. Since 1480, Defence Gate 
had been taken down as useless. After the erection 
of Christian churches, and laterly, the six gates were 
known by the names of St. Leonard, or Blind Gate, 
St. Nicholas, Newgate, Tower-Gate, St. John's, St. 
Giles's ; six in all, of which, only two, St. John's and 
Tower lane Gate, are remaining in the ancient and 
original wall of Caer Brito. From the well known 
situation of these gates, the walls may be precisely 
traced to this day. 

The town being enlarged by the Saxons, other and 
external walls and gates became necessary for its 
defence. The gates of these walls were, — 1st, Law- 
ford's Gate, (on the eastern side of which were two 
statues of West-Saxon kings, who were crowned with 
diadems or coronets, and may be viewed at the above- 
mentioned gate at Brislington ;) the Pithay Gate : 
Needless Gate, Bridewell Gate, formerly called Monk- 
ton Gate, Froom Gate, which had two arches ; Marsh 
Gate, which stood at the western end of Marsh-street 
Back-street Gate, and the Back Gate. 

It is noticed by Camden, and various other histori- 
ans, that Bristol had a double wall in the time of 
William Rufus. And there is not any reason to 
doubt, that the outer wall, built to protect the sub- 
urbs, which the increase of the inhabitants had occa- 
sioned in the time of the Saxons, was the second and 
last wall, as we have not any account of another on 
the Glocester side of the water. 



37 

The Redcliff side was defended by a wall at an 
early period, which had two Gates, Temple and Red- 
cliff. On this side, some parts of the old wall remain, 
for two or three furlongs in length, having, in various 
places the battlements visibly filled up. 

On the other side of the river, a very ancient rotund 
building, or tower, is still standing on the outer wall, 
near to the river Froom ; and may be seen from the 
hinder parts of the houses on St. James's back. Af- 
ter the demolition of the castle, two gates were built 
for the precincts, Castle Gate, and Queen's Gate, or 
the Sally Port. So that Bristol had, in all, no less 
than 18 gates, three only of which remain, the two 
before-mentioned, in the old wall, and Bridewell 
Gate in the second wall. 

The increase of the town, which made a second 
wall necessary, being in the time of the Saxons, we 
have sufficient reason to conclude, that it was about 
the year 930, in the reign of king Ethelstan : and 
also that some parts of the walls were built by Ayl- 
ward, the Fair, surnamed Snow, if not all of them. 
For the Pithay Gate was formerly called Aylward's 
Gate ; and the bridge under it Aylward's bridge. 
And so lately as 1480, William of Worcester, in his 
memoirs of Bristol, called the Pithay, Aylward street, 
and the gate, Aylward's Gate. See page 184 of 
Nasmith's Edition of William of Worcester. 

When the Castle Gate was taken away, its materi- 
als were erected on a similar scale, at a gentleman's 
seat near the road to Brislington, who ornamented it 
with four very ancient statues from Lawford's gate 
and Newgate, as above noticed. 

Temple Gate, was a lofty and elegant arch of free- 
stone, with two posterns for foot passengers ; rebuilt 
in 1734. It was ornamented, and strengthened on 
each side, by four rusticated Doric columns. Over 
the gate there were, under a pediment, the arms of 
the city toward the country, and of the king toward 
the city. This gate is taken down. 

St. John's Gate, is the northern gate of the old 
town, and has, on the southern side, statues of kings 



38 
Brennus and Belinus, the latter of whom was the 
supposed founder of Bristol. A late author has 
asserted, that "the statues appear to be as ancient 
as the town itself; but the gate which is a handsome 
gothic arch, the tower and spire upon it, and the ad- 
joining parish church, were built anew in the 14th 
century, by Walter Frampton, three times mayor, 
and an opulent merchant of Bristol ; whom William 
of Worcester styles " M creator noblis" a noble mer- 
chant. 

Tower Gate, in Tower-lane, at the end of St. 
John-street, must be very ancient, is a plain arch in 
a thick wall of the old city ; has a lofty house built 
upon it ; and now, steps of stone under it, to help the 
declivity, and for foot passengers only. 

Bridewell Gate. This was formerly a place of 
great strength, fortified with bulwarks and a tower, 
near to Bridewell, and which was then called Monk's 
Bridge. This bridge, which was of wood, has been 
built of stone. The two gates, that now enclose the 
fronts of Bridewell, and which were erected in 1721, 
are shut every night, and are modern monuments of 
the ancient building. 

The boundaries of the city on the Glocestershire 
side includes four miles and a half and 37 perches ; 
and on the Somerset side two miles and a half and 18 
perches : and the whole city is nearly eight miles in 
circumference. By an act of parliament in 1777 the 
liberties on the Glocestershire side were extended to 
Rownham passage, or ferry : the boundaries in some 
places extend beyond the buildings ; and in others, 
the buildings extend greatly beyond the boundaries; 
and it would therefore be difficult to ascertain the 
dimensions of the city itself, which is nearly of a cir- 
cular form, with very large suburbs, especially to the 
east and west. To understand by Bristol, the city, 
and its connected suburbs, we shall give our readers 
the following account of its length and breadth. 
From the top of St. Lawrence-hill, east, to the top of 
Castle-street, one mile ; to the Thatched house Ta- 
vern, in Limekiln-lane, two miles : and to the Colo- 



3.9 
nade at the Hotwell-house, west, more than three 
miles, above half the length of London and Westmin- 
ster. The breadth of the city and suburbs from north 
to south is as follows : — From Stoke's croft Turnpike 
to the southern end of Bristol-bridge, is one mile ; to 
Guinea-street, RedclifT-hill, a mile and a half, and 
over Redcliff-hill and Highway, and through Bed- 
minster to the end of the buildings in the Bridgwater 
road, or to Ashton Turnpike, upwards of two miles 
and a half. 

Concerning the number of houses and inhabitants 
in Bristol, and its suburbs, we shall give our readers 
the amount according to the Census taken in 1821, 
when it was found to contain, including Kingsdown, 
St. James, St. Paul, St. Philip and Jacob out parishes, 
with Bedminster and Clifton, 12,939 inhabited houses; 
19,795 families ; males, 37,865, — females, 48,178,, 
total 80,043. 



CHAP. V. 

Historical Notes of Bristol, with heads of Charters, 
from William the Conqueror, to the year 1825. 



In the year 1069, Harding, the ancestor of the 
Berkeley family, was a magistrate, and rich merchant 
of Bristol. He was called mayor and governor of 
Bristol; and Leland says that he removed the fraternity 
of Calendaries (a society existing here before the 
Conquest) to the church of All-Hallows, which before 
were at Christ church. 

1090. Bristol, from its situation, was famous for 
its voyages and trade to Ireland. The following 
trade, recorded in the life of Wulfstan, Bishop of 
Worcester, in Anglia sacra, shews the barbarism of 
those times (thus rendered from the Latin). " There 
is a town called Brickstou, opposite to Ireland, and 
extremely conveniant for trading with that country. 
Wulfstan induced them to drop a barbarous custom, 
which neither the love of God nor the king could 
prevail on them to lay aside. This was the mart for 
slaves, collected from all parts of England, and par- 
ticularly young women, whom they took care to pro- 
vide with a pregnancy, in order to enhance their 
value. It was a most moving sight to see, in the 
public markets, rows of young people, of both sexes, 
(tied together with ropes,) of great beauty, and in the 
flower of their youth, daily prostituted, daily sold. 
Execrable fact ! Wretched disgrace ! Men unmind- 
ful of the affections of the brute creation, delivering 
into slavery their relations, and even their very off- 
spring ! " 



41 
1110. Robert, Earl of Glocester, was lord of 
Bristol, and rebuilt part of its Castle, and fortified 
it against king- Stephen, whom he took and confined 
a prisoner in it for the empress Maud. This Robert 
married Aiabile, the heiress of Robert Fitzhaymon, 
lord or governor of Bristol in the year 1090, and by 
his marriage obtained the lordship, and built the 
tower in. the castle, according to Robert the poet of 
Glocester : 

'And Bristow ihrow hyss Wyfe was alsoe hys, 
And he brogt to grel sia the Toune as he yut ys, 
And terde there an Castle myd the noble Tour, 
That of alle the lours of Englonde ys yielde ihe floure." 

The empress Maud landed near Arundel, with but 
140 men, whom Stephen hastened to meet : but she 
colouring her designs with the pretence of amity and 
peace, he credulously caused her to be honourably 
conveyed to Bristol, where she remained two months, 
while Earl Robert gathered aids for her. 

At the battle of Lincoln, Robert earl of Glocester, 
encountered the king's forces ; Stephen, with un- 
daunted courage, fought until his battle-axe broke, 
and his sword was shivered in pieces : when being- 
weaponless, he was taken, and conveyed to the em- 
press at Glocester* from whence he was sent prisoner 
to Bristol castle, the empress for a while excercising 
all authority. 

Bristol and its Castle being in the possession of 
Robert, and Maud, that lady placed her son here to 
school, among the sons of the chief men of the town, 
as recorded by Baker in his Chronicle. " He was 
brought into England by his uncle Robert, and was 
put to school at Bristol, being then about nine years 
old, and was under the tuition of one Matthews, (w ho 
lived in Baldwin street, opposite the back of the new 
market) where he remained four years." Here he grew 
very partial to Robert Fitzharding, and when Be came 
to the crown, he knighted him, then mayor or gover- 
nor of Bristol after his father, and made him heir 
of the estate of Berkeley. 

G 



42 

T140. Dermot, king of Leinster in Ireland, with 
only sixty men in his company, fled over to Bristol, 
to subject himself and his kingdom to the crown of 
England, Robert Fitzharding entertained him. 

1160. Henry II. granted a charter to the men of 
Redcliff, to this purpose, " Henry r king of England, 
&c.to all barons, justices, sheriffs, &c. wisheth health: 
1 grant that my men that dwell in my fee in the marsh 
near the bridge ofBristow, have their certain customs 
and liberties and aquittances through all England and 
Wales, as my burgesses, and namely those of Bris- 
tow, as my charter testifies : and I forbid that any 
one do them any injury or reproach upon this ac- 
count." By this charter it appears, that there was a 
bridge over the Avon in Henry the second's time, 
which in all probability was constructed of wood. 

1172. The king further granted to his burgesses of 
Bristol, to be free from all toll and other customs 
throughout England, Wales and Normandy. In his 
time Bristol was so populous and flourishing, that he 
gave to it the grant of the city of Dublin in Ireland, to 
inhabit, possess, and enjoy it, and a large colony from 
Bristol was accordingly sent there. 

1 190. John earl of Morton, (afterwards king) being* 
lord of Bristol, renewed its charter, which ascertained 
the then boundaries of the city, confirmed the privi- 
leges of its inhabitants, and secured their property. 

1 196. Richard the I. taxed the burgesses, who paid 
200 marks ,£133 6s. 3d. and for the Fairs, ten marks, 
*£6 13s. 4d. which shews the antiquity of the fairs of 
Bristol. 

1201. There was a treasury in Bristol \ and the town 
paid an aid for the king's passage to Ireland of 1000 
marks, and the men of Redcliff 1000 marks. The 
Redcliff side being perhaps as large and opulent as 
Bristol, might occasion the whole (as one town) to be 
anciently reckoned in Somersetshire. 

1209. King John issued a proclamation at Bristol, 
forbidding the taking of all sorts of feathered game 
throughout England. 

1210- The king laid a heavy tax on all the Jews. 



43 ^ 

An opulent Jew who resided in Bristol, named Abra- 
ham, refused to pay this tax, for which he was fined 
10,000 marks ; this he also refused to pay ; on which 
the king ordered that one of his teeth should be 
drawn everyday till the sum was paid; the Jew hav- 
ing only eight teeth lost seven of them, and then paid 
the money to save the last. 

1210. About this time, prince Henry, eldest son of 
king John, (afterwards Henry HI.) was> on account 
of the troublesome wars in which his father was en- 
gaged with the barons, placed in Bristol, to be in 
safety during his minority, and to receive an educa- 
tion suited to his high station* he having with him 
several noblemen and tutors for that purpose. 

1215. King John, after a series of troubles with 
the barons, left his son Henry to succeed, who was 
proclaimed and crowned at Glocester. Guallo, the 
Pope's Legate, in the presence of Henry 111. held a 
synod at Bristol, in which Louis, the French king's 
son, who had been invited over by the barons, was 
excommunicated, which strengthened the interest of 
the newly-crowned king. 

1216. The king with his counsellors and tutors, 
came to Bristol, and granted the burgesses a new 
charter, which enacted that they should be governed 
by a mayor after the manner of London, with two 
" grave, sad, worshipful men," who were to be called 
Prepositors. The first mayor chosen in consequence 
of this charter, was Adam le Pag^e. 

1239. The ground about the marsh of St. Augustine 
was purchased of Abbot Bradstone, for making the 
trench or canal, on which was afterwards built the, 
quay. 

1247. The mayor, burgesses, and commonalty of 
Bristol, with the joint charges of the men of Redcliff 
and the governors of Temple fee, turned the course 
of the river Avon, by cutting a canal from Redcliff 
back to Tower Harriatz, and built a bridge of stone 
over it This at length had lofty houses erected on 
each side of it, with a chapel across the bridge in the 
centre, like a gateway. And whereas a market had 



44 
been previously held on each side of the water; it 
was now ordered that all provisions should be brought 
to one market, to be held at and by the High Cross, 
at the confluence of the four principal streets. 

1 256. King Henry granted two new charters, which 
ordained, that the burgesses of Bristol should choose 
a coroner ; that successors should inherit the goods 
of deceased relatives, that the inhabitants should be as 
free as those of London ; that the mayor when chosen 
should be presented to the constableof the castle, &c. 
This year there was a grevious famine in Bristol, wheat 
sold at sixteen shillings the bushel ; and good provi- 
sions were so scarce, that the people eat the carcases 
of dogs and other carrion. 

1263. Prince Edward was a prisoner in the castle 
of Bristol, and in 1265, took it from the barons, and 
fined the town .£1000. 

1272. There were twelve furnaces here for melting 
silver, and hammering and stamping of money. 

1 278. King Edward and Llewellin, prince of Wales, 
were at war, in the midst of which four ships of Bris- 
tol took a prize near the island of Scilly ; in which 
was the intended spouse of Llewellin, and daughter 
of Simon de Mont fort ; which service was well ac- 
cepted by the king. 

1283, King Edward the I. came from Wales to 
Bristol about the middle of December, kept his 
Christmas here with much satisfaction, and held a 
Parliament ; and this year issued out the first regular 
summons by writ to the mayor and magistrates here, 
requiring that two persons should be sent as repre- 
sentatives to serve in his Parliament at Shrewsbury. 

1305. King Edward I. taxing all the corporate 
cities and towns, Bristol paid .,£400. 

1308. King Edward 11. accompanied Piers Grave- 
ston to Bristol, to bring him on his way to Ireland. 

1326. Queen Isabel marched from Oxford to Bris- 
tol, which she besieged and took, and in it Hugh 
Spencer, the elder, aged ninety, whom she caused 
to be hanged in his armour, in the sight of the king 
and his own son Hugh. After his body had been 



. 



45 

hanged for four days he was beheaded, and then cnt 
in pieces and thrown to the dogs. Upon this the king 
and Hugh Spencer the younger, entered a little vessel 
behind the castle, designing to get to Lundy or to 
Ireland, but having been tossed about on the sea for 
a week, they landed in Wales, where the Welchmen, 
for a reward of £'2000 delivered them up to the earl 
of Lancaster and his forces. Spencer was hung at 
London on a gallows thirty feet high ; and the king 
deposed and cruelly put to death in Berkeley castle. 

1345. William de Colford, recorder of Bristol, 
drew up in writing the laws and liberties of the town ; 
and the mayor and 48 of the principal citizens, agreed 
on many useful laws, which were confirmed by the 5th 
of Edward the 111. Among these it was ordered, 
that no leprous man should stay within the precincts 
of the town, nor any common women remain within 
its walls ; and if such women be found, that the doors 
and windows of the house should be unhung, and 
carried by the Serjeants of the mayor to the house of 
the constable of the ward, and there to be kept till 
the women be removed ; that no whore should appear 
in the streets, or within the bars of St. James's, with- 
out their heads covered. 

1386. Bristol was grown so opulent by commerce, 
that when the king was threatened with a French in* 
vasion, the citizens lent him ,£200, as much as York, 
or any city, excepting London. 

1397. In the reign of Richard II. Henry duke of 
Lancaster, afterwards Henry IV. invaded" England 
frith an army of 60,000 men, marched to Bristol, be- 
sieged the castle and took it, and in it two knights of 
the king's council, Busby and Green, whose heads 
were cut off, at the importunity of the rabble. 

1309. Lord Spencer was beheaded by the Com- 
mons, at Bristol, for a conspiracy against Henry IV. 

1409. The Commons of Somerset, Bristol and 
W 7 ilts, presented a petition to the king to empower 
them to remove all obstructions in the river Avon, 
that impeded the navigation between Bristol and Bath. 
For before the time of Richard I. the Avon was navi- 



46 
gable to Bath, and wine, wax, salt, wool, skins, and 
cloth, used to be conveyed in vessels between both 
cities. 

1422. A mint for coining was established in Bristol. 

1446. A great part of the lofty spire of Redcliff 
Church thrown down by a violent tempest of thunder 
and lightning. The roof of the Church was beaten 
in, and the spire never rebuilt, but both repaired and 
covered, as at present, by William Cannings, an opu- 
lent merchant. Also this year, king Henry VI. 
visited Bristol, and renewed the charter. 

1456. Queen Margaret, with her nobility, came to 
Bristol. 

1461. Edward IV. came to Bristol, and had Sir 
Baud win Fulford, with Bright and Hessant, esqrs. 
beheaded. 

1490. The streets were newly paved ; and the city 
gave the king 500/. as a benevolence. This year kin£ 
Henry VII. with the Lord Chancellor came to Bristol, 
and kept his court at the great house in St. Augus- 
tine's place. The citizens, willing to show his majes- 
ty all the respect they could during his residence, 
dressed themselves in their best clothes. The king 
thinking that some of their wives were too well dress- 
ed for their station, ordered, that every citizen who 
possessed goods to the amount of £20 should pay 20s. 
for the sumptuous apparel of his wife. 

1495. Henry VII. granted Letters Patent to John 
Cabot, merchant of Bristol, and to his three sons, 
Lewis, Sebastian, and Sanctius, for the discovery of 
new and unknown lands. 1497, Sabastian Cabot, 
discovered Newfoundland in his first voyage, the 
island of St. John, and the continent of America, 
which he sailed by quite to Florida. 

1500. Henry VII. granted a new charter to the cor- 
poration for six aldermen, a recorder, two sheriffs, 
forty common councilmen, a chamberlain, a seal, a 
water-bailiff, and gaol delivery. He also presented 
his own sword to the mayor, to be borne before him, 
which is still in the possession of the corporation. 

1502. King Henry gave a patent to Elliot and As- 



47 
hurst, merchants of this city ; and to John Gonsalez 
and Francis Fernandez, natives of Portugal, to go 
with English colours in quest of unknown lands. 

1534. King Henry VIIL and his train were at 
Thornbury, and the mayor of Bristol sent him ten fat 
oxen and forty sheep ; and to queen Ann a silver cup 
and cover, with 100 marks of gold. One author says 
that the king came in disguise, with several gentlemen 
to Mr. Thorn's house, and secretly viewed the city, 
which Mr. Thorn shewed him, and being struck with 
the extent and appearance of the buildings, promised 
to make it a bishop's see, which he afterwards did. 
This year there were great disputes about Laymens' 
preaching here, who were favored by the mayor, and 
some priests sent to Newgate ; and 1538 George 
Wisard, a heretic, preached in St. Nicholas church, 
and was ordered to bear a faggot for his erroneous 
doctrine. 

1541. King Henry VIIL having suppressed the 
monastery of St. Augustine, erected it into a bishop's 
see ; and constituted Paul Bush its first bishop. 
Bristol was then, by sound of trumpet and proclama- 
tion, declared a city and bishopric at the High Cross. 

1543. The Litany was first sung in English, in a 
general procession from Christ-church unto St. Mary 
RedclifT. Queen Mary succeeded Edward VI. in 
1553. In her short, but bloody reign, some Protes- 
tants were burned on St. Michael's hill, for heresy. 

1565. A wind-mill was erected on Brandon-hill by 
Mr. Read, the town's attorney, where, before stood 
the chapel of St. Brandon. 

1574. Queen Elizabeth paid a visit to Bristol, and 
was entertained at the great house in Small-street, in 
which there is a room, still named queen Elizabeth's 
room. 1581. She granted a new charter for twelve 
aldermen, and for dividing the city into twelve wards. 

1582. The mayor sent a letter to Sir Francis Wal- 
ftingham, concerning the Bristol merchants' intention 
to furnish 1000 marks and two ships of 60 and 40 
tons, for the discovery of some parts of the coast of 
America j and Sir Francis returned a letter, greatly 



43 
fomm ending- the zeal of the merchants for the west* 
ern discovery. 

1585. The earl of Pembroke came from Wales to 
Bristol to review the trained bands, and he having 
taken the upper hand of the mayor, and notice of it 
being given to the queen, she sent for him by post to 
court, and lie was committed to the tower and fined. 

1588. Four ships were fitted out from Bristol, to 
join the queen's fleet at Plymouth against the Spanish 
Armada. 

1597. There was such a scarcity of provisions at 
Bristol, that persons of ability were obliged to keep 
as many poor people in their houses as their incomes 
would admit, for fear of an insurrection. Wheat 20s. 
the bushel. 

1609. John Guy, of this city, having settled a co- 
lony in Newfoundland, returned, leaving his son 
there, and in 1611 went back again, taking with him 
a minister, and several men and women. 

1613. Queen Ann, princess of Denmark, wife of 
James I. came to Bristol, and was presented by the 
mayor, with a rich embroidered purse of gold ; and 
attended in a grand procession to her lodgings at Sir 
John Young's, at the great house in St. Augustine's 
place, (now Colston's School) where she was saluted 
with 42 great guns. On Sunday she went to the 
cathedral, and on Monday, at high tide, a sea-fight 
was exhibited on the river for her entertainment, and 
on Tuesday she went to Bath. She was so pleased 
with her reception here, that she gave the mayor a 
gold ring set with diamonds, worth 60/. saying, that 
" she never knew she was a queen till she came to 
Bristol." 

1625. By act of common council, Brandon-hill was 
adjudged to, and is the property of the mayor and 
sheriffs ; the citizens were allowed to dry clothes there. 

1630. Charles I. by charter to the corporation, for 
the sum of £959 granted the castle and its precincts 
to be for ever separated from the county of Gloces- 
ter, and to be made part of the city and county of 
Bristol. 



49 

1035. Bristol, in that year, paid above ,£-25,000 for 
Customs; and gave £2163 13s. 4d. towards fitting 
out a fleet against France and Holland. 

1638. Bristol felt the ill effects of the tyranical 
government. Commissioners and pursuivants were 
sent down, who examined on oath, merchants, what 
entries were made at the Custom-house, what com- 
modities they had sent to sea, what foreign goods 
imported for years past, &c. In consequence of these 
examinations, some were compelled to accuse each 
other, and were sent for up to London. Shopkeepers 
had heavy imposts laid on them. Soap-makers paid 
<£4 custom per ton for soap. Brewers forty marks 
per annum for a commission ; these grievances set 
the people against the king and government. Four 
Aldermen, &c. went to complain to the king, who 
told them, with outward civility, that he was sorry for 
such hard commissions, which however he could not 
recal. They went to great expence about a trial, but 
could get no determination in their favor, and were 
imprisoned till they paid the amount of the exorbitant 
exactions, which were .£3000. This year a ship was 
launched at the end of the Quay, out of which eleven 
Boys were drowned, and from thence she was called 
the Drownboy. 

1641. War commenced between the king and par- 
liament. Denzil Hollis was nominated to command 
the militia in Bristol. He subscribed .£1000 against 
the king. 

1642 The Castle and Walls of Bristol were repair- 
ed : a fort made at Brandon, and another at St. Mich- 
ael's hill, now called the Royal fort. Two regiments 
under Colonel Essex were, by the contrivance of 
the mayor's wife and two other ladies, let into the 
city. The parliament made a weekly assessment on 
all cities and counties. Bristol paid £55 15s. per 
week. ( 

1643. Colonel Fiennes, governor of Bristol, disco- 
vered a design of Robert Yeamans and George Bou- 
shier, to deliver up the city to the king's forces ; upon 
which they were condemned by a council of war, and 

H 



50 
hanged May the 30th, notwithstanding- the king's 
letter to the mayor and citizens on their behalf. 

The same year on the 4th of July, Prince Rupert 
sat down before Bristol, and notwithstanding two 
citizens had be hanged for intending to deliver up the 
city to the king's forces, the design took effect, for it 
being at that time unprepared for resistance (of which 
Prince Rupert had notice from his correspondents 
within) the governor was obliged, after three days' 
siege, to surrender it to him : and on the third of 
August king Charles came to Bristol, and on Sunday 
attended divine service at the Cathedral church. 

1645. The plague.raged in this city, and about 3000 
died. Fairfax summoned prince Rupert to deliver up 
the city to the Parliament, which at length he did. 
There were found here 140 pieces of cannon mounted ; 
100 barrels of powder ; victuals in the royal fort for 
150 men for 320 days ; the castle victualed for half 
so long. The prince had in garrison, 2500 foot, 1000 
horse, besides 1000 trained bands and auxiliaries, so 
that the taking of this place was a great loss to the 
king, and of great importance to the parliament. 

1649. King Charles having been tried and con- 
demned at Westminster, was executed there, and the 
mayor of Brislol proclaimed, that there was no king 
in England, and that the successors of Charles the 
first, were traitors to the state. 

1650. The walls about the Royal fort were made by 
order of Parliament, who gave £1000 towards the 
building. 

1653. The people called Quakers made their first 
appearance in Bristol. 

1656. James Nailor, a fanatical enthusiast, made 
a public entry into Bristol, through Bed minster, as 
Jesus Christ. He was attended by several men and 
women, representing the deciples, Mary Magdalen, 
&c. who marched up to their knees in dirt, crying 
" Hosanna to the Son of David, &c." Nailor, being 
apprehended, was brought before the mayor of Bris- 
tol, who said to him (improperly) * Art thou the Christ V 
to which he answered in the words Jesus, " Thou 



1 



51 

sayest it." An account of this madman being trans- 
mitted to London, Oliver Cromwell ordered that 
Nailor and his companions should be sent up for ex- 
amination. The parliament passed sentence upon 
Nailor to stand in the pilory two hours, and then to 
be whipped by the common hangman ; his tongue to 
be bored through with a hot iron, and his forehead to 
be marked with the letter B ; and after to be sent to 
Bristol, and there publicly whipped. This man pro- 
bably did not merit such severe punishment for his 
blasphemous mistake, because it was insanity. After 
the death of the Protector, he was discharged from 
his confinement, 1659, 

1657. July 11th, Cromwell proclaimed Lord Pro- 
tector, in Bristol. December 8th, the Corporation 
received a letter from the Lord Protector, a copy of 
which may not be unacceptable to our readers. 

OLIVER P. 

"Trustie and well-beloved, we greet you well ; re- 
membering well the late expressions of love that I 
have had from you, 1 cannot omit any opportunitie 
to express my care of you. I do heare on all hands, 
that the cavalier party are designing to put us into 
blood. We are, I hope, taking the best care we can, 
by the blessing of God, to obviate this danger. But 
our intelligence on all hands being, that they have a 
design upon our cittie, we could not but warne you 
thereof, and to give you authoritie, as we do hereby, 
to put yourselves in the best posture you can for your 
own defence, by raising your militia by virtue of the 
commission formerly sent you, and putting them in a 
readiness for the purpose aforesaid ; letting you also 
knowe that for your better encouragement herein, 
you shall have a troop of horse sent you to quarter 
in or near your towne. We desire you to let us heare 
from time to time what occurs touching the malignant 
partie, and so we bid you farewell. 

Givm at Whitehall, this 2d of December, 1657." 
"To our trustie and well beloved, the mayor, alder- 
men, and common council of the city of Bristow." 



52 

In pursuance of this command, the militia was rais- 
ed, and the city put into a posture of defence. 
1660. The king was restored, May 29th. 

1663. 5th of September, the king and queen, with 
James, duke of York and his duchess, prince Rupert, 
&e. came to Bristol, and were splendidly received and 
entertained by the mayor, at a dinner provided on the 
occasion; 150 pieces of ordance were discharged in the 
marsh, (now Queen's-square) at three distinct times. 
The king knighted the mayor, sir John Knight, and 
the royal family went to Bath about four o'clock. 

1664. Charles II, confirmed the charters of Charles 
I. of 1630 ; and 1633, a quo warranto being brought 
against the old charter, it was resigned into the 
king's hands. 

1683. At the time of the Rye-house plot, a party 
w r as formed in Bristol, for seizing the city and the 
ships in the haven for the conspirators. 

1684. Charles II. granted a new charter, in which 
he confirmed this place to be a city and county of 
itfelf ; gave full power to the mayor and sheriffs to 
have a common seal, and to them and the common 
councilmen, not exceeding forty three, power to make 
laws for the government of the city. Mayor and 
sheriffs to be chosen the 15th of September, and 
sworn in on the 29th. The recorder to be a barrister 
of five years standing, and to have the royal approba- 
tion. The Aldermen to be twelve, and the recorder 
the senior. A fine of £500 to be imposed on those 
who shall refuse to be chosen, unless not worth 
£2000. The aldermen to be justices of the peace, 
and to hold a quarterly sessions for trying offenders. 
A town-clerk to be chosen, a barrister of three years, 
a steward of the sheriffs' court, and two coroners; 
the mayor, &c. to have the regulation of markets and 
fairs, and to hold pie- powder court, &c. 

1685. There was a great alarm of the duke of Mon- 
mouth's coming here from Taunton and Wells. In 
consequence of this, the duke of Beaufort, lord lieu- 
tenant of the city, drew up twenty one companies of 
foot in Reclcliflf meads. The duke of Monmouth was 



53 

certainly on bis march towards Bristol, abounding in 
money, arms, stores, and in friends also, so that he 
intended to attempt its capture, being assured of 
assistance in the city : but tbe duke of Beaufort hav- 
ing declared to the citizens that he would set fire to 
the town if they made an insurrection, Monmouth 
said, " God forbid that I should bring the two cala- 
mities of fire and sword together, on so noble a city.' , 
So he marched to Bath, Froom, and Bridgwater; 
where, from the top of the tower, perceiving lord 
Feversham's horse and foot lying at King's-Sedgmore, 
carelessly encamped, he determined to attack them 
in the night, but was defeated, and taken afterwards, 
near Ring-wood, in Dorsetshire, lying in a ditch c 
covered with fern, in the habit of a peasant : he had 
some green peas in his pocket (on which he had sub- 
sisted) with his George of diamonds. Not having 
slept for three nights, from exhaustion of spirits, he 
fainted and wept. He was beheaded at Tower hill, 
London, July loth, aged 30. 

Judge Jerleries came to Bristol, and opened his 
commission with a long speech full of asperity against 
the citizens, accusing the mayor, &c. of pride, and 
of kidnapping away and selling abroad to their advan- 
tage, fellows that had been brought before them for 
small crimes, and making them compound to be 
transported. Jefferies condemned six persons here 
for high treason; three were reprieved. 

1687. In January there came to Bristol, a letter and 
order of king James, for displacing the Protestant 
corporation, and for putting Papists in their stead, 
which was accordingly done. And in April the de- 
claration was brought hither for the indulgence of all 
persons in the free and public exercise of their reli- 
lion, and in erecting meeting houses ; for which some 
Dissenters foolishly presented addresses of thanks ; 
all availed themselves of the liberty to which they 
had a right, but most parties suspected that the king 
intended under this mask to introduce Popery, nor 
did this appearance of moderation, nor his order for 
restoring displaced corporations avail, with men of 



5-1 
sense, for many bishops and considerable men adhered 
to the prince of Orange, and military officers deserted 
to him. This year a Roman Catholic chapel was 
erected at Bristol in consequence of king James's 
declaration of liberty of conscience. 

1G88. The displaced corporation were restored by 
the king's proclamation, which concluded with his 
intention of calling a parliament, but all were fortu- 
nately too late, for on the 5th of November, the prince 
of Orange landed at Torbay ; and on the 15th of Feb- 
ruary, 1689, he and the princess were proclaimed king 
and queen in Bristol, which had been previously 
seized for the prince of Orange, by the earl of Shrews- 
bury and Sir John Guise. The Roman Catholic 
chapel at Bristol was demolished by the populace. 
St. James's Fair, in the churchyard, this year, produ- 
ced about £80 to the churchwardens of the parish. 

1690. King William landed from Ireland, opposite 
Pill, near Shirehampton, (now Lamplighter's hall) 
and went to Sir Robert Southwell's, at Kiugsweston. 

1691. The Clergy feast was established in Bristol, 
by bishop Hall. This year Sir John Knight, mayor, 
raised a work of stone round the Hotwell spring, 
higher than the tide ever rose. 

1695. The first Hotwell house was built. 

1701. The coronation day of queen Ann was cele- 
brated in Bristol, with great solemnity, procession, fir- 
ing of cannons, ringing, illumination, and burning an 
effigy of the Pope. 

1702. On the first of September queen Ann visited 
Bristol, where the highest demonstrations of the loy- 
alty and respect of the citizens and neighbouring gen- 
try were paid to her. Her majesty and the prince of 
Denmark having been entertained with a splendid 
dinner, they returned the same evening to Bath. 

1703. A great storm of wind and rain, that inun- 
dated all the low fields and country about Bristol, 
down to Kingroad; and filled many cellars and ware- 
houses in Bristol. The churches and buildings suf- 
fered much from this storm, it was said to the amount 
of £100,000. Boats were sent from hence to save 



55 

fhe lives of people who had taken refuge on tree* 
and bushes. 

1704. The number of ale-houses here were limited 
to 220. Stage-players were prohibited within the 
liberties, and the theatre in Tucker (now Bath) street, 
was converted into a Presbyterian meeting-house. 

1708. Queen-square was laid out, and the buildings 
were begun. A scarcity and exportation of corn, 
occasioned an insurrection of the colliers, which was 
suppressed by reducing the price of wheat to 6s. 8d. 
the bushel. 

1709. The present custom-house was built by the 
corporation ; the old house is yet standing on the 
Back. RedclifT church repaired at the expence of 
£5000, which was raised by a brief, the chamber 
gave £200. 

1710. Queen Anne having visited Bristol, renewed 
its charter, confirming all other charters and liberties, 
and ascertaining its boundaries. This charter ordains 
that Bristol remain for ever a city incorporate, and 
county of itself; and that its magistrates hold govern- 
ment over all its boundaries by land and water : that 
the firm of the body corporate be, the mayor, bur- 
gesses, and comonalty of the city of Bristol : that the 
mayor be chosen every 15th day of September; that 
the recorder shall be the first alderman ; with the 
others making twelve, according to the number of 
wards ; that the two sheriffs be chosen annually, out 
of the common council, which are to consist of 4*2 
persons besides the mayor; that the mayor, aldermen 
and common council, shall have power to make and 
execute laws for the good of the city, and to fine and 
punish, not contrary to the laws and statutes of the 
kingdom ; that every recorder shall be a barrister of 
five years standing; that the town-clerk and steward 
of the sheriffs' court be barristers of three years ; that 
the mayor, recorder, and aldermen, be all justices of 
the peace for city and county ; and shall try all trea- 
sons, felonies, capital and criminal causes ; have 
power to hold four sessions of the peace in every 
year 5 to change the times and places of any of the 



56 

markets, and to regulate them by reasonable and 
wholesome laws of their own making, for the benefit 
of the persons resorting- to them; and finally, that 
the mayor, burgesses, and comonalty of the city of 
Bristol, and their successors, shall have and enjoy all 
jurisdictions, liberties, powers, franchises, exemp- 
tions, privileges, emoluments, and hereditaments that 
were enjoyed by their ancestors, or that any kings 
and queens of England have heretofore made, grant- 
ed, or confirmed. These are the principal heads of 
this charter, which may serve to refute the vulgar error 
that Bristol has none, and that its magistrates are self 
created. Many acts of parliament have been ob- 
tained since this, for watching, lighting, and paving ; 
maintenance of the poor, building Bristol bridge, and 
widening avenues to it; for building and re-building 
several churches ; for a floating-dock, and the ex- 
tending the boundaries of the city ; for regulating 
police, hackney coaches, and many other necessary 
and useful purposes. 

Queen Ann was the last monarch who publicly 
visited Bristol, and who granted it the principal, and 
last grand charter for its good government and peace. 
She was a pious, benevolent, and truly amiable wo- 
man ; and an elegant pedestrian statue of her, might, 
if errected in one of the squares of Bristol, serve to 
perpetuate the memory of her private virtues and 
public benefits. 

1711. An act of parliament was procured to com- 
plete the navigation of the Avon to Bath, which was 
finished 1727, when the first barge went from Bristol 
to Bath laden with deals, lead, and meal. Custom 
house, Queen-square finished, cost £'1111 7s. 5d. 

1713. Dr. Robinson, bishop of Bristol, was lord 
privy seal, and her majesty's plenipotentiary, at the 
congress of the Hague. 

1714. October 21, George 1. was crowned at West- 
minster. At Bristol the disaffected populace shewed 
their dislike, by committing several disorders in the 
streets, interrupting the public rojoicings made by 
the king's friends, assaulting the houses and breaking 



57 

the windows of those who illuminated them on that 
occasion. This year the draw-bridge, and two arches 
of stone over the river Froom were completed, at the 
sole expence of the corporation. 

1715. In the rebellion, designs had been formed of 
insurrections in favor of the Pretender at Bristol* 
Bath, and Oxford, which were prevented by the vigil- 
ance of government. The first Newspaper published 
in Bristol now appeared ; the same which was known 
till 1809 as Sarah Farley's Bristol Journal. 

1720. The wharf of stone, from King street down 
towards the grove, was built at the expence of the 
city. And about this time St. James's square was 
finished. 

1726. An Act was obtained for placing Turnpikes 
round the city, but the Colliers not being exempted 
from payment, rose in a great number, cut down, and 
entirely destroyed them. 

1730. The first incendiary letters ever known in the 
kingdom, were sent to divers persons here, with 
threats to set fire to their houses, if they did not leave 
sums of money in certain places. Mr. Packer, ship- 
builder, had his house burned down in consequence 
which occasioned an alarm and double watch 'till six 
in the morning. 

1733. The great crane at the gibb, built by the inge- 
nious Mr. Padmore, and the mud-dock, completed 
at the expence of the merchants. 

1734. Feb. 21st the Prince of Orange visited Bristol. 
1736. The statue of king William erected in Queen's- 

square. 

1738. Frederick, prince of Wales, and the princess 
Augusta, his lady, came from Bath to Bristol on a 
short visit to the mayor, &c. The City Library in 
King street, finished this year. 

1740. The foundation stone of the Exchange laid- 
1745. The Pretender's son having advanced as far 
as Derby, the citizens met at the merchant's hall, and 
subscribed £2(3,450, for raising men. I he Trial, 
privateer, took a ship bound to Scotland, with fire- 
arms, warlike stores, £6000 in monev> and a number 

I 



58 
of men, and brought her into Kingroad. Also two 
London privateers arrived here, the money and stores 
taken in two rich Spanish prizes, which were depo- 
sited in the custom-house, amounting to ^£800, 000 
were conveyed to London in twenty two waggons 
guarded by soldiers. 

1750. An Earthquake in London, felt also here. 
Two ships arrived with two Whales, at Sea-mill dock. 
This trade not answering, has not since been revived; 
and the dock left to ruin. 

1753. Bristol was invaded by a riotous mob of 
country people from Kings wood and adjacent parts, 
on account of the high price of corn : they plundered 
a corn ship, and occasioned a stoppage of trade, The 
citizens armed, were headed by the mayor ; the colliers 
resisted, and kept up the riot for a week ; many were 
wounded, and some killed, before they were dispersed; 
others were taken prisoners, tried, and suffered by 
fine and imprisonment. 

1 754. St. Giles's bridge, head of the Quay, finished. 

1755. The Drawbridge was rebuilt, on a new and 
more commodious plan than the former. King square 
and several adjacent streets were planned and begun. 

1757. No less than fifty one privateers were fitted 
out at Bristol to cruize against the French, to the 
great loss of the adventurers. 

1758. The Belliqueux, French ship of Avar, of 64 
guns and 400 men, was, in a fog, blown up the Bris- 
tol channel ; she was taken without insistence by the 
Antelope, of 50 guns, and brought to Bristol. 

1760. The act passed for taking down the old 
bridge, which was incumbered with lofty houses ; a 
temporary bridge began to be built on piers of stone, 
above the old one ; and 1701, the duke of York made 
a public entry over it, and remained here some days ; 
this year the old bridge was taken down. 

17G4. A Mrs. Ruscomb, and her servant, were 
found September 27th, shockingly cut and murdered, 
in her house in College-green ; the perpetrator was 
never discovered. This year the floating-dock was 
begun by Mr. Champion. 






59 

1765. Bridewell bridge was built of stone, before 
of wood. The new theatre in King-street was opened. 
An act passed to take down all the signs, posts, and 
spouts. 

1760. Castle Gate was taken down, and removed 
by a Mr. Reeves, merchant, to his seat at Brisling- 
ton ; and Lawford's Gate, and several others demo- 
lished, before and about this time. 

1767. Anew commodious dock made at the grove; 
and the quay continued round to the back. Bruns- 
wick square and adjacent streets laid out for building, 
and begun. 

1768. Bristol-bridge finished and opened. 

1770. St. Leonard's church, Corn-street, taken 
down, with the tower and Blind Gate under it. 

1771. A way opened from Corn-street to the quay; 
and Clare-street began to be built. 

1777. An act passed for enlarging the boundaries 
of the city down to Rownham passage, to include the 
floating-dock. John Aitkin, the painter, attempted 
to set fire to several houses and ships, and occasioned 
a dreadful conflagation in Quay-street. He was 
hanged at Portsmouth. 

1782. The old colonade called the Tolzey, (erected 
1616) taken down, and a wing to the exchange built, 
similar to the post office. The conduit and fish mar- 
ket at the head of the quay taken away ; and the 
latter appointed to be held in St. James's market, 
Union-street. 

1784. The foundation of the present infirmary was 
laid June 2d. A mansion-house for the mayor was 
fitted up in Queen-square, and a new banqueting 
room built adjoining to Charlotte street. 

1785. The marine society established for educating 
poor boys for sea service. 

1786. Hackney coaches began to stand in the 
streets, and increased rapidly. Old Christ-church 
taken down, and the foundation of the present elegant 
church and steeple laid in November. The city 
Library in King-street was enlarged with a new- 
wing. 



GO 

1783. The three new police bills passed in parlia- 
ment for regulating partition walls, keeping the pave- 
ments clean, muzzling mastiff dogs, establishing 
hackney chaches, preserving the navigation of the 
river, and saving the shipping from fire, &c. 

1789. St. James's parish divided, and St. Paul's 
taken out of it by act of parliament. The foundation 
stone of St. Paul's church laid on the 23d of April. 
About this time the ancient, spacious, and elegant 
church of St. Thomas was taken down, excepting 
the tower. 

1792. A new warm spring was discovered in sink- 
ing a well at Clifton hill, 246 feet deep. Bath-street 
opened. 

1793. Penny-post office established for this city, 
the suburbs, and neighbouring villages. The main 
body and eastern wing of the present infirmary corn- 
pleated and inhabited. An asylum for the' blind 
opened. The riot on Bristol bridge, October 1st, the 
rioters having burnt down the Toll-houses and Gates, 
the military were ordered to fire on them, by the 
then magistrates, when about 36 persons were killed 
and wounded. After these wrong steps the toll was 
totally abolished, which was the object and design of 
the rioters. The new church of St. Thomas was 
opened on St. Thomas day. 

1794. A new pump-room opened at Davis's Mine- 
ral Spa, in the street leading to the llotwells, about 
nine years after its discovery. The new church of 
St. Paul opened on St. Paul's day. Lord Howe's 
victory was received in Bristol, with every demon- 
stration of the most enthusiastic gladness. The 
shock of an earthquake was felt in this city, and 
caused some alarm. It was also felt in several parts 
of the country. 

1795. Asylum for orphan girls established, at 
Hook's mills, and the chapel opened. The new 
pump-room of Sion spring, Clifton, opened. A new 
and elegant chapel for the Wesleyan Methodists built 
in Old King-street, St. James's. November 27th, 
the duke of York made a public entry into Bristol, 



61 

through Park-street to the Mansion-house in Queen 
square, amidst the acclamations of vast multitudes. 
After dining with the mayor and corporation, his 
royal highness went to the theatre, and when the play 
was over, returned to Bath. 

1796. A New bridge erected at the western end of 
Broadmead, preparatory to building an intended 
street to St. John's gate. A new chapel for Metho- 
dists opened, in West-street, Bedminster. The ve- 
nerable church of St. Mary at Red cliff repaired 
internally and externally, at a great expence, and all 
the pinnacles on the southern side rebuilt, which had 
been demolished for many years. The quay above 
the draw-bridge considerably widened, by building 
a new quay wall. 

1797. September 14th, James Doe, aged about 40, 
unfortunately put a period to his existence by drown- 
ing himself in Sea-mill dock, about two miles and a 
half from Bristol, in the parish of Westbury, after fast- 
ing and praying for three days and three nights, in an 
uninhabited house near the dock, as was proved by 
a curious and affecting diary found written upon the 
walls with a pencil, point of a nail, &c. He was 
born at Lambeth in Surry, of respectable parents, 
was educated and served an apprenticeship in the 
same place, to a painter in the earthenware line, and 
respected by all the trade. It is supposed his embar- 
rassed circumstances was the reason of this rash act. 
The publisher of this Guide has a particular account 
of this Diary and other information, relative to the 
unfortunate Doe, price 6d. 

1799. Many piles of buildings and streets laid out. 

1803. The French having threatened to invade 
Great Britain, the Bristol volunteers were formed 
with the greatest alacrity and patriotism. The duke of 
Cumberland reviewed the volunteers in Queen-square. 

1804. May 1st, New river and Floating harbour, 
was begun. 

1805. July 8th, The whole garrison of Bristol, with 
the volunteers, attended the funeral of general Mayan 
to Bath. The procession reached a mile in length. 



62 

1806. Bill passed the House of Commons, and af- 
terwards received the royal sanction, for paving, &c. 
the streets of Bristol. 

1807. In October, his royal highness the prince of 
Wales, accompanied by the duke of Sussex, and 
several destinguished noblemen, came from Berkeley 
castle to Bristol ; and were conducted by the sheriffs 
of the city, to a splendid dinner at the merchants'-hall. 

1808. Owing to a heavy fall of rain, the river 
Froom rose to a great height, and overflowing its 
banks, inundated all the streets in its course to the 
Avon ; when provisions were actually conveyed, and 
the inhabitants passed to and fro in boats. 

1809. The floating harbour completed. 

1810. A new chapel built in Counter Slip. In the 
month of September, the citizens were gratified with 
beholding the ascent of Mr. Sadler, in his baloon. 
Mr. Clayfield, a celebrated merchant, accompanied 
him. The baloon took a direction to the Severn, 
where it unfortunately decended, but they having 
assistance, in the hour of danger, from a vessel, 
returned safe to Bristol. 

1811. September, the Commercial rooms opened. 

1812. July, A sharply contested election in Bristol. 
21st, R. II. Davis, esq. elected member for this city. 
in the room of Charles Bragge Bathurst, esq. Octo- 
ber 19th, R. H. Davis, and Edward Protheroe, esqs. 
were returned as representatives (general election), 
28th, Mr. Eagles, of Clifton, collector of customs in 
Bristol, and a distinguished literary character, died 
this day. December 23d. A petition from the inha- 
bitants of Bristol against the Roman Catholic claims, 
was well supported. 

1813. January. A petition for a free trade to the 
East Indies. The front of the Guild-hall rebuilt. 

March. The legality of Richard Hart Davis, and 
Edward Protheroe, esqrs. election as members for 
this city being disputed by Mr. Hunt, the opposing 
and unsuccessful candidate, it was submitted to a 
committee of the House of Commons, who considered 
them duly-elected members. 



63 

August 23d. The volunteers celebrated their for- 
mation by a grand field-day and sham fight, upon the 
Roman encampment on Leigh- Down. The advanced 
party was commanded by captain Montague, and the 
pursuing party by leut. -colonel Gore. Upwards of 
10,000 spectators were gratified by the manoeuvres 
and military skill of the undaunted heroes for near 
five hours. After the fatigue and heroic exploits of 
the day they were regaled with 1000 pounds weight 
of prime beef, 1000 loaves and twelve barrels of good 
porter, of which the populace also partook. 

September 10th. A piece of plate was presented 
in the midst of a numerous assemblage in the com- 
mercial rooms, to our late respected member, the 
right lion. Charles Bragge Bathurst, as a testimony of 
the respect and approbation of the citizens of Bristol, 
by the late Michael Castle, esq. (then mayor,) with a 
suitable address ; having been returned a member for 
this city in five successive parliaments. The silver 
cup weighed 532 ounces, and cost 700 guineas. 

December 3d. The merchant adventurers of Bristol 
sent an address to his royal highness the prince Re- 
gent upon the occasion of the late glorious success on 
the continent ; on the total defeat of Bonaparte, &c. 
29th. A grand illumination in honour of the victories 
acquired by the renowned Wellington over the troops 
of the despotic and unmerciful tyrant, who had so 
long deluged Europe with blood and misery. 

1814. February 10th. The workmen who were mak- 
ing a cistern, adjoining to the sugar house in the Black 
Friars, between Merchant street and Rosemary street, 
discovered three stone coffins, about seven feet below 
the surface of the ground, containing the entire skele- 
tons of two men and one woman. The place formerly 
belonged to the Dominician or Black Friars, and 
these bodies were probably buried in the chapel of the 
of the monastery. The dimensions of the chapel are 
thus given by William of Worcester: — length of the 
choir 26 yards, beadth of it 8 ditto; length of the nave 
31 yards, breadth of it 21 ditto. The followiag me- 
moranda, among others, were copied by the same 



(34 
author from the register of the monastery ! — " William 
Courteys made the great cross in the burying ground. 
Matthew de Gourney was one of the founders. Sir 
Maurice de Berkeley of Beverstone, and the lady 
Joanna his wife, were buried in the choir, on the left 
hand of the altar. Sir william Daubeny, knight, was 
buried in this church." It is not improbable that the 
female skeleton, and one of the males lying next to her, 
were those of Sir Maurice de Berkeley and his lady* 

March 15th. Orders having been given to open 
a vault near the vestry in St. Maryport Church, in this 
city, it was discovered that it was already too full to 
admit another coffin, without its being sunk deeper ; 
four coffins were taken up, and the bottom brick- 
work ; and on digging a few feet lower a lead coffin 
was discovered, taken up, and on being opened, also 
a shell of thick deal, the body of a robust man pre- 
sented itself, in singularly good preservation, measur- 
ing six feet two inches ; the flesh, in some parts, had 
the appearance of suple brown leather ; the throat 
was much swollen under the lower jaw, giving the 
idea of strangulation ; the body was habited in the 
costume of Oliver Cromwell's time. Mr. R. Smith, 
surgeon, published an account of the state in which 
the body was found. It was proved to be the remains 
of Mr. Robert Yeamans, who was executed with Mr. 
George Bouchier, May 30th, 1643, for intending to 
deliver up the city to the king's forces, (Charles 1.) 
when at war with the parliament : the plot being dis- 
covered, they were taken and kept chained by the 
neck and feet for twelve weeks in a dungeon of the 
castle, when they were brought before a court martial, 
at the house of Mr. Rogers, (soap maker, mayor in 
1621) at the bridge end, [now the site occupied by 
Messrs. Pitt and Co's bank.] They were executed 
near the Guard -house in wine street, without even the 
benefit of a clergyman to attend them in their last 
moments. Mr. Bouchier was buried in St. Werburgh's 
church. Mr. Yeamans left a wife with eight small 
children, and large with the ninth, to the care of his 
father-in-law. — See pages 27 and 49, proceeding. 



65 

1814. April 11th. A general illumination on the 
happy and glorious success of Russia and the Allied 
arms ; and their entrance into Paris — Abdication of 
Bonaparte, &c. — Proclamation in favor of the Mouse 
of Bourbons. 

May 18th. A petition was sent to the House of 
Commons, which was signed by 22,440 persons in the 
space of 40 hours, against the Corn Laws. 

June 3d. News of the definitive treaty of Peace 
arrived in Bristol, and was received most ardently. 
24th. The Royal Bristol Volunteers were disbanded, 
having been publicly thanked for their disinterested 
and patriotic services, by Viscount Sidmouth. 27th. 
Proclamation of Peace — Illuminations were particu- 
larly fine on the evenings of the 27th and 28th. In 
the course of the procession, by permission, when 
the right worshipful the mayor, (James Fowler, esq.) 
proclaimed the glorious event of Peace, J. Mathews, 
the publisher of this Guide, exhibited the process of 
printing, in the view of the populace, having a press 
erected on a carriage, fitly decorated and ornamented, 
and upwards of 2000 copies of a Poem for the occa- 
sion, were wrought off in the streets on that day and 
sold to the spectators. 

July 1 1th. The funeral of colonel Gore at Brisling- 
ton. 18th. A dinner was given by the officers of the 
late Royal Bristol Volunteers to every member of 
that respectable corps, at Wellington Gardens (Black 
Birds,) Stapleton road. The Fete on the occasion 
was attended with the most convivial scenes. The 
sacrifices to Bacchus were large ; yet good will and 
harmony were the features of the whole. 

September 4th. His serene highness, prince Fre- 
deric of Orange, accompanied by baron M.L. D'Yooy, 
arrived at the Bush tavern in this city, and shewed 
himself gratified with the visit. 17th. A great ray 
of light in the heavens, although conspicuous at other 
places as well as at Bristol, certainly deserves to be 
remarked. 

Extensive depredations being committed by the 
Americans on the West India trade, the merchants 

K 



66 
petitioned the Admiralty ; but although they were 
assured of adequate protection, their ships continued 
to be taken and destroyed. 

1816. July 27th. The duke of Wellington being 
invited to Bristol by the corporation, honoured it with 
a visit. His highness made a public entry through 
Park-street, (near the top of which was erected, by 
subscription, a triumphant arch, with appropriate de- 
vices to his rank and fame as a warrior,) and pro- 
ceeded to the mansion-house amidst the cheers and 
acclamations of a vast multitude of people ; his con- 
descension and gentleman-like conduct was highly 
conspicuous. The freedom of the city, inclosed it a 
gold box, was presented to him, and an elegant din- 
ner was prepared at the merchants'-hall, to which 
his highness accompanied the corporation, and left 
Bristol the same evening. 

1817. April 3d. Imposture — An interesting female 
appeared in the parish of Almondsbury, in a singular 
character, being in immitation of the Asiatic costume, 
speaking a language that could not be understood, 
though some characters she described were like the 
Arabic, calling herself Caraboo, princess of Javasu. 
This artful young woman continued her impositions 
for some weeks in the above parish, and also in 
Bath ; she was detected here, her name being Mary 
Baker, born at Witheridge, in Devonshire, in 1791. 
Being desirous to go to America, she was shipped 
on board the Robert and Ann, from Bristol to Phila- 
delphia. A pamphlet, giving a particular account 
of this imposition was published in Bristol, to which 
we refer our readers as very interesting. 

October 30th. The William and Mary packet, of 
Bristol, for VVaterford, was lost on the Wolves rock, 
to the North of the Flat Holmes, at eleven o'clock at 
night; of 55 persons only 23 were saved. 

December 17th. The late queen Charlotte being on 
a visit to Bath, the corporation invited her majesty 
to Bristol, to which she condescended, and arrived on 
the above date, accompanied by the princess Eliza- 
beth,, preceeded by the carriages containing colonel 



67 
Desbrowe, the queen's Chamberlain, colonel Steven- 
son, sir H. Campbell, and colonel Murry, and fol- 
lowed by another carriage, containing the duke of 
Clarence, lord John Thynne, and the countesses of 
Ilchester and Melville ; the queen with her suite, 
proceeded to the mansion-house, where an elegant 
dejeune was prepared, from thence her majesty took 
a pleasant ride to Clifton, where she was much grati- 
fied with the beautiful scenes of nature that there 
present themselves, and on her return was received 
by colonel Baillie, at his house in Park-row, from 
thence her majesty returned to Bath in the evening. 

1818. June 20th. Sir Robert Gifford bart. Solicitor 
general, chosen Recorder of Bristol, on the retire- 
ment of Lord Chief Justice Gibbs. Richard Hart 
Davis and Edward Protheroe, esqrs, were returned 
members for this city. 

June. Alterations were making in St. Mark's or 
Mayor's Chapel, by removing the oak alter-piece, 
where the remains of a beautiful Stone carved altar 
was discovered, which has been repaired, and now 
appears as in its primitive state. This year the city 
of Bristol was first lighted with Coal Gas. 

1819. March 29th. The Theatre re-opened under 
the management of Mr. M'Cready. 

June 14th. An act passed " for repairing, widening, 
and improving the several roads round the City of 
Bristol, and for making entire new lines of road to 
communicate with the same." 

November 2d. Died Edward Bird, R.A. Historical 
Painter to the late princess Charlotte, his remains 
were interred in the cathedral. 

1820. In January, a severe frost, the floating har- 
bour was frozen to the thickness of 8, 10, & 12 inches. 

February 3d. King George the Fourth proclaimed 
in Bristol. 29th. The foundation stone of the Bristol 
Philosophical and Literary Institution was laid, and 
opened November 25th, 1822. 

March 10th. Richard Hart Davis and Henry 
Bright, esqrs. were returned members in parliament 
for this city. 



03 

1820. June 27th Dr. Wm. Lort Mansel, Bishop of 
Bristol, died at Cambridge, succeeded by Dr. Kaye. 

1821. April 2nd, a Thunder storm, when some of 
the electric fluid struck the tower of Red cliff church 
and did considerable damage to one of the beams, 
so as to render the bell thereon useless, and force a 
considerable quantity of the stone-work. 

July 19th, The Kings Coronation (George IV.) 
was celebrated in Bristol, though not with that joy 
and festivity which has marked similar events. 

September 11th A new church built at Kingswood 
Hill, Bitton ; named the Church of the Holy Trinity, 
consecrated by the bishop of Glocester. 

The number of Inhabitants was taken this year. — 
See page 39. 

November 19th, St Nicholas church re-opened 
after repairs, and a new Organ, by Mr. Wm. Smith, 
organ builder, of this city. 

1822. March, a Chronometer was completed on the 
front of the Exchange. 

May 15th, an Act of Parliament passed •■ for the 
employment, maintenance and regulation of the Poor 
of the city of Bristol ; and for altering the mode of 
assessing the Rates for the relief of the Poor, and 
certain rates authorized to be raised and levied within 
the said city by certain Acts for improving the Har- 
bour there ; and for Pitching, Paving, Cleansing, and 
Lighting the same city; and for the relief of Church- 
wardens and Overseers from the collecting of such 
rates, and for amending the Act for Paving, Pitching 
and Lighting the said city." 

July 13th, The Prince and Princess of Denmark, 
and suite, came here from Glocester. 

August 12th, (Monday) the new Church and burial 
ground for Clifton parish were consecrated by the 
Lord bishop of Bristol : the morning service was per- 
formed by the Rev. J. Hensman, and the sermon 
preached by the bishop, from I. Cor. iii. 17. 

A new Pump-room, baths, &c. erected at the Hot- 
well spring, built in the Tuscan order, leaving a space 
in front, were the old house stood, for a carriage road. 



69 

1823. January 1st, the ship Weare, 460 tons, bound 
from Bristol to Jamaica, was wrecked on the Irish 
coast ; fifteen persons were lost and thirteen saved. 

February 13th, the Bristol Chamber of Commerce 
began to be constituted. A Chapel of Ease to St. 
Augustine's begun this year, on the north-west side of 
Great George street, Park street. 

NEW COUNCIL HOUSE. 

May 12th, Wednesday, was the day on which the 
Foundation stone of the New Council house was laid ; 
the same was ushered in with ringing of bells, exhibi- 
tion of flags, &c. About two o'clock, the Mayor, 
Aldermen, Sheriffs, Society of Merchants, and Citizens, 
having assembled in the Guildhall, proceeded from 
thence through the Arch under St. John's Church, 
along Quay street, to St. Stephen street, up Corn 
street, to the spot where the old House stood. — The 
streets were thronged with people, and the windows 
filled with ladies. — Order of the Procession : 

Band. 
The City Beadles and Constables. 

The City School Boys. 

The Mayor's and Sheriffs' Officers. 

The Gownsmen. 

The Coroners of the City. 

The Under-sheriff. 

A City Banner. 

Mr, Phillips, (Builder,) with an Engraved Plate, and Brass Box 

containing Coins, on a cushion. 

Mr. Stock, (Carpenter,) 

Mr. Smirke, (Architect,) 

Mr. Smith and Mr. Mayers, Barristers. 

The Chamberlain. 

The Swordbearer. 

The MAYOR. 

The Aldermen. 

The Sheriffs. 

The Common Council. 

W. D. Brice. 

The Clergy. 

The Master Wardens, and Society of Merchants. 

Governor, &c. of St. Peter's Hospital. 

Churchwardens of Christ Church. ) With handsome 

Churchwardens of St. Ewen's. ] Banners and Flags, 

Citizens invited. 



70 

The whole area of the intended building was thrown 
open to the public, with a small space reserved for 
the procession : a large stone was sunk into the earth, 
and another which measured 3 feet 8 inches, by 3 feet 
6 inches, 14 inches deep, and weighed 25 cwt. sus- 
pended by a teackle : all necessary preparations 
being made, the Mayor took the box in his hand, 
called over the different coins of his present Majesty, 
which he replaced in the box and deposited it in the 
cell cut in the under stone ; he then placed the en- 
graved plate over it, and trimmed the mortar with a 
silver trowel ; the large stone was then lowered, and 
his Worship squared his work by the plummet and 
scale, and struck it firm with a small mallet. After 
the people had cheered, the bells rang, and the music 
played, his Worship addressed the immence con- 
course in nearly the following words : — 

" Brother Magistrates, Gentlemen of the Corporation, Friends, and 
Fellow Citizens : — 

" Having the honor to fill the high office of Chief Magistrate of this 
City, it has fallen to my lot to lay the Foundation Stone of this intended 
Building. May God prosper the undertaking ! and I sincerely hope and 
pray that in raising the Superstructure He may be pleased to protect the 
Artificers, Labourers and other Persons employed in the Work, from all 
danger and accidents : and that when the Edifice shall be completed, may 
it exist for ages, not only as a specimen of the Architecture of the present 
day, but as a Tribunal distinguished for Justice and Mercy. 

" May the Magistrates who may be called upon from time to time to 
preside therein administer Justice with the strictest impartiality, to the 
high and to the low, to the rich and to the poor ; and may they by their 
-virtues and upright conduct, prove themselves to be the faithful Guardians 
and Protectors of their Fellow-Citizens. 

u May the Corporation at all times encourage and support the increase 
of Trade and Commerce, and the general welfare of the City. May they 
ever maintain and uphold the dignity of the situation in which they are 
placed ; and whilst they conscientiously discharge the important duties 
reposed in them, for the benefit of their Fellow Citizens, may they defend 
with energy and fiimness, their lawful rights and privileges: rights and 
privileges which have for centuries past been held sacred by the Corpora- 
tion, and who have ever discharged their trusts with honor and fidelity to 
the Public." 

M God save the King, and prosper this Ancient and Loyal City." 
(Cheers, three times three.) 

The procession then returned down Broad street to 
the Guildhall. The mayor and corporation afterwards 



71 

gave a splendid dinner to a number of fellow-citizens, 
at the White lion, at which the mayor presided. 

The following is a correct copy of the Inscription on the Plate s 




The FOUNDATION STONE, 

was laid on Wednesday the Twelfth day of May, in 

ihe year of our Lord, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Twenty Four, 

and in the Fifth year of ihe Reign of 

His most gracious Majesty 

King George the Fourth, 

by the 

Right Worshipful JOHN BARROW, Esq, Mayor, 

assisted by 

the Worshipful the ALDERMEN, 

John Savage, > „ . c , . a 

Charles Pinney, J Es 1 UIres ' Shenff9 « 

and the rest of the 

Common Council, 

of 

The City and County of Bristol, 

The Superstructure is dedicated to the Administration of Public Justice, 

and to the maintenance of social order. 

Robert Smirke, Architect. 

The inside lid of the Box has the following inscription* 
The committee for erecting the building, 
John Barrow, Esq. Mayor, 
John Noble, Esq. ~\ 

Thomas Daniel, Esq. / 
Sir Richa-d Vaughan, V Aldermen. 
William Fripp, Esq. 1 

James Fowler, Esq. J 

James George, Esq. late Mayor, 
Thomas Garrard, Chamberlain. 

Inclosed was a Coronation medal given by the Chamberlain; Gold and 
Silver Coin of his present Majesty's reign, from a Double Sovereign to • 
Silver Penny ; aud current Copper of the Realm. 



72 

1824. May 27th, the Foundation stone of the St. 
James's Upper and Lower Arcade was laid, an avenue 
having been made a little below Syms's alley, in 
Broadmead, to the horse fair, and thence behind the 
houses of St. James's churchyard, to St. James's 
barton. — Inscription : 

"This Stone, the first of an Arcade, for the better accommodation of 
foot passengers, was laid on the twenty-seventh day of May, Anno Domini 
MDCCCXXIV. and in the fifth year of the reign of His Most Gracious 
Majesty, George the Fourth. Michael Wreyford, John W. Hall , James 
Paty, Proprietors. James and Thomas Foster, Architects." 

May 28th, the Royal assent was given to " An Act 
for Lighting and Watching the parish of Clifton, in the 
county of Glocester." (It is lighted with Oil Gas.) 

June 17th. An Act passed, " for Lighting with Oil 
Gas the city of Bristol, and the parish of Clifton, in 
the county of Glocester, and certain parishes adjacent 
thereto." The station of the works is near Limekiln 
dock, adjoining the glass house. 

June 19th, The Bristol Institution opened their 
first Exhibition of Pictures. 

July 3rd. the Leaden figure of Neptune was remov- 
ed from the corner of Dr. White's Alms-house, and 
re-erected in church lane, near to Temple tower. 

29th, Mr. Graham Aeronant accompanied by Mr. 
R. Saunders, Solicitor, ascended with a silk Baloon, 
at 17 minutes after 5 o'clock, from the station of the 
Bristol Coal Gas Company, Avon street, St. Philips, 
and after a circuitous course decended safely on 
ltchington common, Glocestershire, about 7 o'clock. 

1825. April. The Foundation Stone of a Chapel 
was laid, in Thrissel Street, a street lately built near 
Glocester road, for the Dissenters belonging to the 
New Jerusalem. 



CHAP. VI. 

Rivers, Quays, Navigation, Docks, and Bridges. 



The river Avon, though inferior in breadth to the 
Thames, is one of the most notable, useful, and curi- 
ous rivers in England. As the Thames hath on its 
banks the two finest cities of the east, London and 
Oxford, so the Avon hath on hers, the two best and 
largest cities of the west: Bristol, the capital key 
and great mart of this country, and Bath, the most 
elegant city in the kingdom, without exception. This 
river rises in the northern limit of Wiltshire, and runs 
on the west of Breden forest (according to Camden) 
to Malmsbury, where it receives another stream, 
which rises at Tetbury, in Glocestershire, and nearly 
encircle the town of Malmsbury; from thence to 
Melksham ; and having received a river that rises 
near Devizes, and a brook, called Barron's brook, 
thus increased, goes through the middle of Bradford 
under a bridge of eight arches. 

The author of a Tour through Britain, observes, in 
vol. 2, page 31. "The river Avon, a noble and large 
fresh river, branching itself into many parts and re- 
ceiving almost all the rivers on that side of the hill, 
waters the whole fruitful vale : and the water of this 
river is particularly qualified for dying the best co- 
lours, and for fulling and dressing the cloth ; so that 
the clothiers generally plant themselves on this river, 
but especially the dyers, as at Trowbridge and Brad- 
ford, which are the two most eminent cloathing towns 
in that part of the vale, for making the fine Spanish 
cloths, and also for the nicest mixtures." From 
Bradford it leaves Wilts and enters Somerset ; then 
receiving the Froom from Froom-Selwood, and ano- 

L 



74 

ther river, it comes towards Bath. Here it run* 
through a fruitful vale bounded on each side by lofty 
and magnificent hills ; from whence the subjacent 
prospect of the country, the serpentive river, the fair 
and beautiful buildings of Bath, and its sublime and 
venerable cathedral, are quite enchanting. Here it 
runs under two elegant bridges, the first has three 
equal arches, with small shops and houses on it, 
handsomely constructed : and the other has five arches, 
with a balustrade of stone on each side. On the 
western side of this bridge is the quay of Bath, from 
whence the river is navigable to Bristol, so that Bath 
is a proper inland port. Barges that have but one 
mast and sail, and carry from 40 to 140 tons, lake 
heavy goods from Bristol, as iron, copper, wine, deals, 
and many other articles, and generally return laden 
with large blocks of freestone, or Bath stone, the use 
of which is increasing here. 

The river though quite fresh, is deep, of a good 
width, beautifully winds on towards Bristol in an 
exquisitely delightful and happy vale, between ver- 
dant hills, rural scenes, and villiages ; about two 
miles and a half from Bath, it runs under a noble 
bridge of stone, of several arches, the principal of 
which is 100 feet in diameter. A little farther on is 
a lofty eminence, beautifully impending over its nor- 
thern bank, on which are pleasantly situated, an 
elegant mansion and extensive and beautiful park. 
Seven miles from Bristol, between Saltford and Bit- 
ton, at Swineford, it becomes the boundary between 
Glocestershire and Somerset, and so continues 'till it 
falls into the Bristol channel. On the east side of the 
town of Keynsham it receives the river Chew, over 
which is a bridge on the Bath road : and below thp. 
bridge are considerable mills and manufactories for 
copper. Keynsham bridge has nine arches over the 
Avon, and near it is a lock to facilitate the navigation 
to Bath : at the highest tides the salt sea flows up to this 
town. At Brislington, Avon receives another stream, 
and flowing on by two works for smelting copper at 
Crew's hole 5 according to the late improvement, it 



75 

crosses the Bath road, over which place is built a fine 
iron bridge, of one arch ; then flowing- at the foot of 
Pyle-hill, it proceeds through the Redcliff-meads, 
which instead of presenting verdant and rural scenes, 
(where the enthusiastic Chatterton used to recline, 
and utter ejaculations at the sublime aspect of Red- 
cliff Church, lifting its solemn spires, brown with the 
shade of years,) almost a little town has been erected, 
and promises shortly to cover the banks of the river. 
It then continues its course under Harford's bridge 
through a romantic extent of gentle hills and delight- 
ful meadows, and enters its accustomed path below 
Cumberland Basin. 

The two greatest churches of Bristol were so situated 
by our ancestors, as to be eminently conspicuous from 
its port. Below Redcliff, at the quay, is the mouth of 
the river Froom, below which, on each side of the 
water are delectable views of Bristol, Clifton, and the 
Somerset hills, down to Rownham ferry, a mile farther, 
where the river at high water is 300 feet broad, and 
the tide rises 3*2 feet. Here it begins to flow between 
two rising hills, Clifton and Rownham, the former 
adorned with elegant piles of building, and the latter 
with trees and verdure. Beyond the Hotwell-house 
commence the lofty rocks of St. Vincent, between 
which the river has a winding course of about two 
miles. The height of these rocks, (about 300 feet) the 
stupendous manner in which they are cleft by Divine 
Power to let the water pass through, some being 
nearly perpendicular, others impending, some bare 
and craggy, and others covered with trees up to the 
summit, afford scenes which perhaps England cannot 
parallel, and which richly merit the imitative powers 
of the painter, and the skill of the engraver. The 
shores are elevated and beautiful down to Hungroad, 
a safe hard our for large ships, and where seme are 
unloaded into lighters. Below this is Pill, a sort of 
port town for the habitation of pilots and others, Here 
the river is about 500 feet wide, and the tide rises 40 
feet at least. From Pill, it flows through a level 
country for about three miles to its mouth in the 



70 
Severn sea, eight miles below Bristol. Here is King- 
road, where the ships take there departure, which is 
rekoned a good open harbour, with safe anchorage. 

The river Froora rises at Dodington and Range- 
worthy, not far from Tetbury in Glocestershire : and 
running through Acton, Hambrook, and by Frenchay 
to Stoke, meets a spring from the Duchess of Beau- 
fort's park, then to Stapleton through Baptist mills, 
and enters Bristol through Traitor's bridge. Before 
the present quay was formed and built, in 1247, the 
Froom ran from St. Giles's bridge through the scite 
of the present Baldwin street, beneath the wall of the 
old city, and emptied itself into the Avon near St. 
Nicholas church. 

The Quay of Bristol is upwards of a mile in extent 
or circuit, reaching from St. Giles's bridge down to 
the mouth of the Froom, and up the old Avon to Bris- 
tol bridge ; being one uninterrupted spacious wharf 
of stone, having sufficient depth of water before it 
for ships of the greatest burden, and fully laden, to 
come up to the walls and discharge their cargoes. It 
has different names, as the Quay, Broad quay, the 
Grove, and the Back. 

Cranes are erected in proper situations for loading 
and unloading, which are all numbered, for the more 
readily finding the subjacent vessels. 

On the banks of both rivers are several dock-yards 
and dry and floating docks for building and repairing 
the ships. There are two or three by the Froom, 
besides the various docks at Wapping by the Avon, 
where is also a spacious wet dock, with double gates. 
Below these, beyond Limekiln dock towards the 
Hotwells, is a large floating-dock, that will contain 
forty sail of stout ships deeply laden, and which in 
1769, received a 64 gun ship with ease through its 
gates. Here are also other docks, a dry dock that 
-will hold a 74 gun ship ; and dock-yards where have 
been built several large ships of war for government. 
At all these places ship-building and repairing are 
carried on with great spirit, skill, and industry. 

We have already noticed that there was a bridge 



77 
over the Avon in 1173, which was probably of wood, 
for in 1767, when the workmen perforated the old 
piers to try if they were strong enough to support the 
new bridge, they found in the middle of Redcliff pier, 
a sill of oak, about a foot square and forty feet long, 
with two uprights near each end, about nine inches 
square, and nine feet high, morticed into it, which they 
concluded to be the remains of the old wooden bridge, 
walled up in the pier to prevent the trouble of taking 
them out. The old bridge of stone was built 1247, 
and taken down in 1761. 

The present Bristol Bridge was opened in 1768; 
built of hewn stone, brought from Courtfteld in Mon- 
mouthshire, it consists of three arches; the centre 
arch is elliptical and of 55 feet span, the side arches 
are semicircular and of 40 feet each. The piers are 
42 feet long and 10 thick. On each side is a balus- 
trade of Portland stone, six feet high, and a raised 
way for foot passengers, defended by small iron pil- 
lars and chains; at each end are two buildings of 
stone for toll Houses, now converted into shops. 

Where the Gibb ferry formerly stood, a swing 
bridge has been erected, leading to Bathurst basin. 

The lowest bridge over the Froom hath two arches 
of stone, (and as it crosses the Quay) a Draw-bridge 
to admit coasting vessels and Severn trows to pass 
through it. The next is St. Giles's at the head of the 
Quay, which has two arches ; also Froom bridge just 
above, and is encumbered with houses. Then follow 
St. John's, Bridewell, Needless, Pithay, Union, 
Merchant, Philadelphia, Eilbridge, Penn and Trai- 
tor's, all one arch bridges of stone ; so that over this 
little but useful river, there are thirteen bridges in the 
city and suburbs. 

There are four Ferries over the Avon; one from 
Queen street to Temple back, one from the Back to 
Redcliff, one from the Grove to Guinea street, and 
one from Rownham, Hotwells, to Somersetshire. 
The fare at each, for foot passengers, one halfpenny. 



CHAP. VII. 

fairs, Markets, Coals, and Wholesome Waters of 

Bristol. 



Bristol has long been famous for its fairs, which 
are still very considerable and well frequented, and 
some of the largest in the kingdom ; each of them 
for all sorts of wares and merchandize, and the time 
of both chartered for eight days. 

St. James's Fair, which is the greatest of the two, 
commences on the 1st of September, and is held in 
the spacious churchyard of St. James's, and in some 
adjacent streets. 

Temple Fair begins on the 1st of March, and is 
held in the Great Gardens and about Temple-street, 
on the southern side of Bristol bridge. 

At these fairs is usually a great sale for every thing 
in the woollen manufacture, cloth, coarse and fine ; 
carpets, rugs, blankets, and stockings ; cotton stock- 
ings from Tewkesbury, linen cloth ; hardware from 
Birmingham, Sheffield, Walsal, and Wolverhampton; 
millinery, haberdashery, ribbons, female ornaments, 
dresses, and trinkets, from London and other places; 
lace, from Notinghamshire and the west ; buck, doe, 
and hog skins for breeches ; and a great show of 
horses and cattle on the two first days. For the 
juvenile throngs, and those who are fond of delica- 
cies, a rich profusion of confectionary wares, toys, 
&c. are exposed for sale in the rows. For the amuse- 
ment of the populace, there are not wanting a variety 
of exhibitions, which are generally well attended. 
The shops and standings for these fairs are built and 
covered with wood. At St. James's they are disposed 



79 

into streets and rows, and are generally a month in 
preparing. During these fairs there is more tanned 
leather sold at the Leather-hail than at any other fair 
in England. The fair, or chief day at this hall, is 
held on the 1st Tuesday in March and September. 
The Markets of Bristol are the following. 

I. The EXCHANGE or GENERAL MARKET. 
This has a very handsome entrance from High-street, 
consisting of a lofty gate, and a gate-house over it, all 
of freestone. This is the principal market, and is 
situated on the south side of the Exchange. The 
rows for butchers' meat are constructed of wood ; are 
eight in number; the stands in these rows are 150. 
They have been completely rebuilt on a much more 
convenient plan, with chutters, gates, &c. There are 
three other market-houses, which are covered arcades 
of considerable length and breadth. In these the 
farmers and country folks sell butter, cheese, poultry, 
eggs, pork, bacon, and many other articles. One of 
these has a noble appearance ; is in the south front 
of the Exchange, and is called the Glocester market; 
the number of stands here are 62. The arcade to the 
west is called the Somersetshire market, and the 
stands are 88. The other arcade to the east, extend- 
ing from the butchars' rows to the market-gate, has 
68 stands ; on the outside of this arcade are several 
stands for fruit, &c. Opposite to these are 12 stalls 
for vegetables, &c. ; also thirteen others of freestone, 
near the Post office, and ten covered stands before 
the south front of the Exchange, all for vegetables, 
fruit, &c. Between the butchers' and Somersetshire 
arcade is a row often covered stands for vegetables. 

II. St. NICHOLAS MARKET, St. Nicholas- 
street, a neat modern building, entirely covered in, 
for country farmers and butchers, on Wednesday 
and Saturday. 

III. St. JAMES's MARKET in Union-street, for 
every sort of animal and vegetable food, as the 
others ; the stands are numbered in the same manner, 
and are open every day for vegetables, but for butch- 
ers' meat, only Wednesday and Saturday. 



no 

IV. At the BUTCHER-ROW, near LawfordV 
place, is a market every Wednesday and Saturday, 
for butchers' meat. 

V. The FISH-MARKET in Union-street, is plen- 
tifully supplied with every kind of fish in its proper 
season; the market days are Monday, Wednesday, 
and Friday. Also, at the sheds on the Back, fish of 
various sorts are sold, particularly oysters, which are 
brought by the boats in great quantities' sufficient to 
supply town and country. 

VI. At the WELCH MARKET-HOUSE on the 
Back, opposite to King-street, are for sale every 
Wednesdsy, pigs for roasting, geese alive, or ready for 
the spit, turkey, ducks, and fowls. Large quantities 
of apples, pears, plums, damsons, walnuts, filberts, 
and hazel-nuts, in their seasons, which occasion a vast 
plenty of those fruits in all parts of Bristol. 

VII. The CHEESE-MARKET, opened in Jan. 
1787, is held every Wednesday and Friday in Corn- 
market-lane, in two convenient market-houses, built 
for the sale of corn, but now discontinued. 

VIII. Corn and Flour for the use of the distilleries, 
malt-houses, brew-houses, corn-factors, and bakers, 
are brought by water carriage, from the west country, 
the vale of Evesham, and counties of Hereford, Mon- 
mouth, Glamorgan, and Worcester, and landed at 
the Quay, or the Back, the sales of which are now 
effected in the Exchange, where each Corn-factor has 
his stand for samples, and where returns of sales are 
deposited. 

IX. ST. THOMASs MARKET is held every 
Thursday, for horses, living cattle, sheep and pigs, in 
-St. Thomas street. 

X. In Broadmead is a large market for Hay and 
Straw, every Tuesday and Friday. 

XI. The market for the sale of raw hides, calves' 
skins, and all sorts of unwrought tanned leather, is 
held at the Leather-hall, near the back, .every Wed- 
nesday and Saturday throughout the year. And at 
the same place is a market for tanned leather every 
Thursday. , ; . . _ 



81 

Wood for firing, faggots, brooms, and timber of all 
sorts, are for sale on the Back. Great quantities of 
cider are brought to the Back, and to the head of the 
Quay. All sorts of fish, vegetables, and fruit, fresh 
butter, and numerous other articles, are hawked and 
cried daily about the streets, which are resounding 
from morning to night with the harsh music of those 
ambulatory, mercantile orators. 

The advantages arising to the inhabitants from hav- 
ing plenty of coal so near to the city, are very great, as 
well from its use to families, as to the various manu- 
factories, in which there is a great consumption of it. 
There are pits all round the city, in Glocestershire, 
at Kingswood ; and in Somerset, at Bedminster, 
Ashton, Nailsea, and Brislington. But the most 
copious supply is from Kingswood, in which there 
are a great number of pits and collier's houses, which 
last are so frequent and numerous, that Kingswood 
has, from the neighbouring hills, the appearance of 
being one vast, rural suburb of Bristol. From the 
before-mentioned places, coals are brought to Bris- 
tol in waggons and carts, and sold in sacks at 18d. 
and 20d. which holds about two bushels. 

Great quantities of coals are brought from Wales, 
in ships, and sold at the various wharfs at 16s. and 
17s. per ton, according to the quality. 

The sweetest and most wholesome Waters from 
pumps and conduits, placed in many streets, are 
always to be had here in the greatest plenty ; for the 
support and supply of which competent benefactions 
have been left, by well-disposed citizens. The con- 
duits, properly situated in various parts of the city, 
are supplied from various springs which rise in the 
neighbourhood, and are conveyed in leaden pipes. 
The pumps both public and private are numerous, 
and most of them emit from the sand, rocks, and 
strata beneath, the clearest and most beautiful 
water. 



M 



CHAP. VIII. 

Civil Government^ Corporation, Officers, Jurisdiction, 
Courts, Wards, Prisons, Trading companies, Hath, 
Lightiiig, Paving, Police, and Arms of Bristol. 



SOME of the principal characters and noblemen in 
England have been High Stewards of Bristol, since 
the reign of Henry VIII. In the year 1651, Oliver 
Cromwell sustained that character; his salary was 
£5 per annum, and a pipe of canary ; half a ton of 
Gascoine wine w r as sent to him as a token of respect. 
The present High Steward is the Right honorable 
Lord Grenville. 

The government of this city is administered by a 
mayor, (whose person and office are highly respected 
here) a recorder, twelve aldermen, all justices of the 
peace, two sheriffs, and an under sheriff, twenty-eight 
common councilmen, town-clerk, chamberlain, and 
vice chamberlain, steward of the sheriffs' court, 
clerk of arraigns, register of the court of conscience, 
&c. There are other officers pertaining to the Cor- 
poration — sword-bearer, two coroners, water bailiff, 
quay warden, school-masters, clerk of the markets, 
keepers of the prisons, inspector of nuisances, eight 
sergeants at mace, who carry maces of silver; crier 
of the court, common crier, exchange keeper, sheriffs' 
officers, club men, beadles, a city marshal, and a good 
band of musicians in constant pay ; all of whom have 
their particular gowns, dresses, and liveries, in which 
they precede the corporation in public processions, 
which are made in a long range of elegant carriages. 
They have the highest mark of honor granted to 
magistracy, scarlet ermined gowns, gold fringed 
gloves, four swords, (presented to the mayors on 



83 
various occasions, one by king Henry VII. and a 
very old one in an embroidered sheath, with this 
motto, 

John Willis of London maier 
Gave to Bristow this swerde faire.) 
a mace and cap of maintenance. Gentlemen of the 
greatest worth and capital in the city, deem it an 
honor to serve this large community in the magisterial 
capacity. 

The two sheriffs are chosen out of the common 
council ; the mayor of those who have served the 
office of sheriff; and the aldermen of those who have 
been mayors. 

This opulent corporation are possessed of very large 
estates, both in city and country, in trust for chari- 
table uses and the public emolument of the citizens; 
for supporting hospitals, schools, alms-houses, and 
exhibitions at the university, for establishing lectures 
and gift sermons for the instruction of the people, for 
relieving the prisoners and confined debtors, for keep- 
ing the poor at work, for the marriage of poor free- 
mens' daughters, for repairing the roads round the 
city; and especially of large funds for the use of 
young tradesmen; £100, ,£50, .£25, or less, to be 
lent to them, free of interest, for seven or ten years. 
The corporation are also patrons of several church 
livings in city and country, and have it in their power 
to promote and establish young clergymen of genius, 
learning, and real worth. 

The jurisdiction of Bristol, by water, extends up 
to Hanham : from thence downwards it reaches to 
Kingroad, and from thence down the Bristol channel, 
as low as the Flat Holmes (on which is a light-houso 
seventy feet high, and a public-house) and to the 
Steep Holmes (noted for being the place of retirement 
of Gildas, the ancient British historian) and from 
thence eastward to the Denny island, and from thence 
again to Kingroad. 

By the Charter of king Edward IV. 14G1, Bristol 
was exempted by land and water from the jurisdic- 
tion of tbe Admiral of England ; and a coiranissjori 



84 
was to be granted by the crown to the mayor and 
recorder, as often as shall be needful, to inquire into 
all such contracts, agreements, trespasses, and offen- 
ces, which were wont to be inquired of, and deter- 
mined by such admiral, or in the court of admiralty, 
so that the mayor, recorder, and aldermen hold in the 
Guildhall a sessions for general jail delivery, and trial 
of all capital and criminal causes, within the city and 
liberties, on land or water, as often as may be neces- 
sary, once or twice a year, at spring or fall, A court 
of Nisi prius for lawsuits, entirely respecting civil 
causes, is held in the said hall, in the autumn of every 
year, by one of the Judges who go the western circuit. 
The mayor and aldermen with the town-clerk (who 
presides as judge) hold a Quarter sessions for trying 
less criminal causes ; also a Court of Request is held 
every Tuesday, for debts above 40s. and under j£\5, 
and a Court of Conscience for the recovery of debts 
under 40s. is held every Monday. The two sheriffs 
hold courts in the Guild-hall for determining writs of 
inquiry ; and a Pie-powdre court in autumn, under 
a piazza in Old market street. 

The mayor, or some of the aldermen, hold a daily 
sessions in the Council-house, to hear complaints and 
accomodate differances ; make orders, take bail, and 
commit offenders. 

The Corporation have several processions in the 
year : at Michaelmas, to St. Mark's Church, to hear 
divine service, before the mayor is sworn into office 
at the Guildhall ; and to the same church with the 
recorder, previously to the trial of capital offenders. 
Also on the 29th of May, and the 5th of November, 
they go in their coaches, preceded by their officers, 
and music, to attend divine service at the cathedral 
church; on the last of those days, after their return 
from church, one of the scholars of the city grammar 
school, being elevated in the Council-house, comme- 
morates the deliverance from the powder-plot, in a 
latin oration to the corporation and croud attending ; 
when he has finished, he dismounts, and goes to the 
mayor, who rewards him with a piece or pieces of 



85 
gold, according to the merit of his performance. It 
is an ancient custom of the corporation, and still con- 
tinued, to visit every Whit-sunday, and attend divine 
service in the forenoon, at the old venerable church 
of St. Mary Redcliff, which on this occasion is dressed 
with flowers, shewed with rushes and crouded with 
people. 

Every Mayor is allowed ^2000 from the chamber 
of Bristol, to support the dignity of his office, and the 
two Sheriffs have ,£400 each. 

This city is divided into twelve wards:-— 

Trinity St. Mary-le-port St. Michael's 

Castle Precincts St. Ewin s St. Mary Redcliff 

St. Stephen's All Saints' Temple 

St. Nicholas St. James's St. Thomas's 

each of which has an alderman to preside over it. 
The recorder is always one of the aldermen, and by 
virtue of his office is reckoned the principal ; his ward 
is Trinity. The present recorder is the Right Honor* 
able Lord Gifford. The senior alderman after the 
recorder, is stiled the Father of the city. Every ward 
has one chief constable, and twelve others ; a night 
constable, and a proper number of watchmen under 
him ; so that the whole posse commitatus is numerous, 
and in general sufficient to keep the peace. There 
are for the several w r ards, watch and standard boxes. 
At the eastern end of Narrow Wine-street, stood 
Newgate, the city Gaol for debtors and malefactors, 
which being considered much too small, and in a 
confined situation, highly detrimental to the health 
of the prisoners, a new one is now built, of which we 
shall give the following information : — 

The BRISTOL GAOL is situated near Bathurst 
Basin, in Cumberland road, built on a sand rock ; the 
front being on the banks of the New River, or Avon, 
and the back near to the floating harbour. This is 
an extensive and commodious building, which, for 
health, convenience, and excellent arangement is not 
to be equalled in England, commanding extensive 
views of the surrounding country. It was begun in 



8<5 
November, 1816 and completed in 1820. The archi- 
tect was H. H. Seward, esq. of London; built by- 
Messrs. Jones and Wilcox, Bristol. 

The plan of the Gaol if as follows : — 

Entrance — Turnkey's lodge, containing a hall, bed 
room, bakehouse, bath, &c. store room, reception 
cells, and day room, over the same. On the top of 
this lodge is occasionally erected a drop, for the exe- 
cution of condemned criminals. A court yard on each 
side of the lodge. 

A spacious court-yard leads to the Governor's 
house, which is situated in the centre. It contains 
a hall, governor's rooms, committee room ; bed 
rooms over the same, and a chapel covering the whole 
of the upper part, to which a communication is made 
from the four wings of the building by means of neat 
cast iron bridges in elevated situations. 

The wing on the left of the entrance, 126 feet six 
inches in length, and 34 feet six inches in breadth, 
containing, in front, apartments for nine female debt- 
tors, first class, and eighteen female debtors, second 
class, with day rooms, and court-yard. The back 
of this wing contains apartments for ten male debtors 
first class, and fourteen male debtors second class, 
w r ith day rooms and a court-yard. 

The wing to the right of the entrance, the same 
length and breadth as the former, containing apart- 
ments for sixteen females on charge &c. with day 
rooms. Upper story, two cells and day room for 
females condemned for death, and infirmary for eight 
female patients, and two court-yards. The back of 
this wing contains apartments for thirty three male 
debtors, common side, with day rooms, and a spa- 
cious court-yard. 

The two back wings are for felons, being 93 feet 6 
inches in length, each, and 34 feet 6 inches, each in 
breadth. 

Tli at to the west, containing cells for seventeen 
males, with day rooms and court-yard. Infirmary on 
the upper story for nine patients. On the other side 
of this wing there are twenty one cells for males, on 



87 
charge of felony, with day rooms and court-yard ; 
day room and four cells for king's evidence on upper 
etory. 

The other wing to the north, contains apartments 
for twenty one male felons, first class, with four cells 
for males condemned for death, in upper story, day 
rooms, &c. On the other side of this wing are cells 
for twenty-seven male felons, second class, with 
separate court-yards. 

Extent of the outer walls four acres, one rood. 

Length of the building from east to west 358 feet, 
containing in the whole, accommodation for 215 pri- 
soners. The whole of the external walls of the wings, 
Governor's house and lodge, are built of hewn stone 
from Hanham quarries. The boundary wall (20 feet 
high) is built of hewn varigated marble from St. Vin- 
cent's Rocks, wich has a beautiful appearance. 

The cells, apartments and passages are heated 
and ventilated by Pneumatic stoves (for which the 
builders have a Patent) fixed in the basement story. 

An excellent provision is made to supply the differ- 
ent wings and governor's house with water, from an 
inexhaustible spring in a well nearly 100 feet deep, 
which is raised by means of a Tread wheel worked 
by the prisoners. 

The public will here perceive that the whole plan 
of this Prison is so admirably arranged, that although 
there are Ten different classes, yet they are all open 
to inspection, and can have no communication with 
each other, having party walls and iron palisading 
between the yards, admitting a free circulation of air. 

BRIDEWELL, the other city Prison, has two 
gates, and within them two opposite fronts of the 
building, which are for the confinement and correc- 
tion of offenders. 

Those parts of the town not under the government 
of the magistrates of Bristol, and which are large and 
populous, both in the counties of Glocester and So- 
merset, are governed as the out parts of London are, 
by justices of both counties; who have constables, 
bailiffs, and criers, for the different districts. 



88 

LAWFORDS GATE PRISON stands at the end 
of Glocester lane, Without the city, near the place 
where Law ford's gate formerly stood; this prison is 
spacious and strongly built on the Howardian plan, 
for the suburbs of Bristol in Glocestershire. It has 
70 separate cells, a chapel, and a hall for the justices 
in its front. The building extends about 150 feot, and 
the whole is surrounded with a strong wall 20 feet 
high. Here, and in another part of the suburbs, are 
held weekly courts, for the recovery of debts, com- 
mittal of offenders, &c. 

The MERCHANT VENTURERS' SOCIETY 
was incorporated in this city by letters patent, of king 
Edward VI. in the sixth year of his reign ; and after- 
wards confirmed by queen Elizabeth and king Charles 
I. They have lands to a considerable amount, for the 
support of alms-houses and other charitable uses ; a 
noble hall to meet in, and an alms-house adjoining for 
decayed seamen. This society consists of some of 
the principal merchants of Bristol and its environs, 
and has been honored with the names of nobility, and 
some of the Royal families. This respectable company 
generally act in conjunction with the Corporation for 
promoting the commerce and improvement of the city. 

The companies of this city were 25 ; the other 24, 
were as follow : Tailors, Weavers, Surgeons, Smiths, 
Hoopers, White-tawers, Dyers, Joiners, Wire-drawers, 
Cordvvainers, Tanners, Butchers, Bakers, Innholders, 
Saddlers, Hatters, Turners, Pipe-makers, Carpenters, 
Halliers, Porters, Tilers, Masons, Tuckers. These 
companies had heretofore their halls, gowns, flags, 
and formalities ; now some of their trades are extinct. 

LIGHTING.— The act for lighting Bristol was pro- 
cured about the latter part of the reign of king William 
III. This act obliged citizens to hang out their own 
lamps ; subsequently, public lamps were lighted for 
half the year only, but for many years had been lighted 
every night in the year with oil lamps. 

Bristol Coal Gas Company, incorporated by act of 
Parliament, which received the royal assent on 
the 21st. of March, 1819, the city lamps and many 



89 
of the shops are lighted with this Gas. The works* 
and offices are situated in Avon-street, St. Philip's. 

Bristol and Clifton Oil Gas Company, established 
by act of Parliament, the 4th of George IV. c. 102. 
This Gas is getting much into use in shops, private 
houses, and for lamps. Clifton is well lighted with 
lamps of this Gas. Their station is at Limekiln-road, 
leading to the Hotwells, and their offices are at 26 
Clare-street. 

PAVING. — All the streets are well paved on each 
side, with flat stones for foot passengers, and have 
also smooth crossways from one side to another. A 
number of men are constantly employed in mending 
the streets and pavings, for which the citizens pay a 
regular tax, according to the rent of their houses. 
Some of the streets are Steined, according to Mr. 
Mc Adam's plan. 

The streets are cleansed twice a week, according 
to act of parliament, and the foot-ways swept every 
morning. 

Regulations of Hackney Coaches and Chariots, within 
and for Ten miles round the city of Bristol : 

Number of Coaches, Thirty, Chariots Ten ; which 
are to be regularly on their Stands from Nine o'clock 
in the Morning until Eleven at night, and not to be 
absent more than one hour for feeding or refreshing, 
(except being called by a Fare) during the aforesaid 
time. The above number of Coaches and Chariots 
may stand and ply for hire at the following places : 



2 in Wine-street 

2 in Old Market-street 

3 in St. James's-barton 
3 in College-green 

9 on St. Augustine's-back 
1 on the Quay, near clare St. 
3 in St. Stephen's avenue 



3 at the top of Temple-st, 
3 in Queen-square 
3 near Do wry- square 
2 on Redcliff-hill 

2 in Berkeley-square 
I in King-street 

3 in Prince's-street 



The Fares at the various stands are set forth in a 
Book printed by authority of the Corporation, which 
Fares commence at the Stand from which the Coach 
may leave. 

N 



90 

Thai the Fares to be taken either by time or dis- 
tance, at and after the rates and proportions follow- 
ing, the driver driving not less than at the rate of four 
miles an hour, if so required : viz. for One Hour, 
Two Shillings ; for any time not exceeding Fifteen 
Minutes from the end of the First hour. Sixpence. 
The Driver has his option to charge for time or 
distance. 

THE ARMS OF BRISTOL are a ship and castle, 
and the motto, Virtute et Industries Long may these 
qualities of virtue and industry be exhibited, and the 
characterestics merited by the inhabitants of Bristol ! 
The practice of Virtue and Industry are the surest 
methods of acquiring wealth and honor. May the 
names of Bristol merchant or trader be ever respected 
for strict justice, and liberal and extensive benevo- 
nee. This motto reminds me of a passage in Seneca's 
Epistles, a salutary document and memento to every 
reader, " ltur ad astra,f? % ugalitate, temperantia t forti* 
tudine, aliisque virtutibus" By frugality, temperance, 
fortitude, and the other virtues, we ascend to heaven ! 
Well might the philosopher reccommend the virtue 
of Temperance ; it introduces to every other human 
excellence ; frugality, regularity, fortitude, and indus- 
try ; as thus : superfluous indulgences are expensive, 
and sooner or later produces poverty and necessity. 
The little that nature wants, costs but little, and will 
admit of some saving, even in low circumstances ; 
and to be saving is to be thriving and rising in the 
world. Therefore temperance implies and introduces 
frugality. Intemperance leads to irregularity ; and 
none but the temperate, are, or can be, strictly regu- 
lar, according to the laws of nature. Intemperance 
debilitates the faculties of body and mind, and dimi- 
nishes the power of exertion, fortitude, intrepidity in 
duty, and untired industry. But the temperate man 
will not feel in himself those deplorable obstacles to 
activity, but will be always ready to do every good 
work : for (as some author observes) " to be ever 
active in laudable pursuites, is the distinguishing 
characteristic of a man of merit." 



CHAP. IX. 

Trade and Commerce of Bristol, Foreign and Domestic; 
its Ships, aiid various Manufactories. 



THE inhabitants of Bristol were very early addict- 
ed to trade and manufactures. Several ancient au- 
thors represent Bristol as " the most famous place of 
commerce in England next to London, frequented by 
merchants of many nations." It took early to the 
Newfoundland cod fishing, and had trade to Andalu- 
sia in Spain, and many other foreign parts. By the 
charter of Edward III. it appears that it was so con- 
siderable as to obtain the reputation of being the 
second city in England for trade and populousness ; 
and was of so much importance as to be constituted 
a county within itself. This king established the 
manufactory of cloth at Bristol, where it flourished 
for a long series of years to the middle of the present 
century, but is now entirely declined, and removed 
to other parts where labour is cheaper. Bristol has 
been anciently and frequently celebrated by the writers 
of our own and other countries. Jbuschiiig wrote that 
" this city for its prudent regulations is perhaps 
out-done by none, and for its vast commerce, wealth, 
and shipping, by very few trading cities in Europe." 
And Di\ Campbell, "as to foreign commerce, if we 
view it in gross, Bristol is next to London ; but if the 
value of that commerce be compared with the size of 
the respective cities, Bristol may be equal, and ex- 
cept in a few branches, to the participation of which, 
of late, she begins to put in her claim, in point of 
intercourse with all parts of the world, her correspond- 
ence is nearly as extensive." Such are the account* 
of it, by a Foreigner, and by a Briton. 



92 
Among the ships of Cannings we find one of 900 
and one of 500 tons. The letters patent granted by 
Henry VII. 1415, to John Cabot, for making disco- 
veries in America, prove that Bristolians were some 
of the first adventurers to the West Indies, in the 
trade to which only, they, at this time, employ up- 
wards of seventy large ships. The merchants of 
Bristol trade with a more entire independence on 
London than any other port in Britain. Whatever 
exportation they make to any part of the world, they 
can bring back the full returns to their own port, and 
are able to dispose of them here, without shipping 
any part for London, or consigning the vessels thither 
to dispose of their cargoes, which the merchants of 
other ports are obliged to do : they have buyers at 
home for their largest importations ; and consequently 
the shopkeepers of Bristol (many of whom are whole- 
sale dealers) keep up a great inland trade, and have 
riders, as the Londoners, to all the western counties, 
and principal places from Southampton to the banks 
of the Trent in the north. And as well by sea, as by 
the navigation of the rivers Severn and Wye, by Trows, 
they have the trade of South and part of North Wales 
to themselves, also of the English counties bordering 
on these rivers and on the Bristol channel. Their trade 
to Ireland is much increased, many ships being con- 
stantly employed to various ports of that kingdom, 
from which they import linen, woollen, and bay yarn, 
salt butter, bacon, pigs, cattle, &c. Their foreign trade 
is principally to the West Indies, for sugar, rum, 
coffee &c. 

. STEAM PACKETS to Dublin, Cork, and Water- 
ford, sail every week during the Summer months, 
from Cumberland Basin ; also War-office and Govern- 
ment Packets sail from Bristol to the above places 
regularly: agent Mr. R. Smart, No. 1, Quay, oppo- 
site the Drawbridge. Steam Packets to Chepstow, 
Newport, Ilfracombe, Swansea, Tenby, &c. : agents 
J. and W. Jones, Rownham, Hotwells, and St. Ste- 
phen's avenue, Bristol. 

Besides the foreign trade there is scarsely any kind 



93 

of business or manufactory but what is carried on in 
a greater or less degree in this city. In the shops 
are seen as capital exhibitions, and as great a variety 
of all sorts of goods, as are to be met with in the 
kingdom, and are rendered at reasonable rates. The 
shopkeepers are active, industrious, upright, and 
obliging. 

The plentiful supply of coals is a great advantage 
to the manufacturers who carry on large works in 
Bristol, and its vicinity ; we shall therefore name a 
few of them : 

BRASS WORKS, at Baptist mills, on the river 
Froom, but a little way from the eastern suburb of 
Bristol, is the first place in which Brass was made in 
England. The original workmen were brought over 
from Holland. The great quantity made here is either 
drawn into wire, or formed into what is termed bat- 
tery, for the export or home trade, and is also sent to 
London, Liverpool, and other parts of the kingdom. 
It is carried on under the firm of Harford's and Bristol 
Brass Battery and Wire company. Their wire works 
are at Keynsham : they have also Spelter works at 
Warmley ; their counting and warehouses, are at 18, 
Corn street. 

There are also Works at Crew's Hole, St. George's, 
neaT Bristol, for the making of Spelter and Brass, 
carried on by Messrs. Arnold and Matthews. 

Copper, Spelter, Zinc, Brass battery, Sheet Brass 
and Wire Works. — -About two miles from Bristol, near 
Hanham, on the bank of the Avon, and atSoundwell, 
near Mangotsfield, are the works of Christopher Pope 
and Co. (offices, cheese lane, st Philip's) for preparing 
these metals. Here is produced some of the purest 
Zinc in the world. Its fine and excellent contexture 
and malleablity, cause a great demand for it among 
the curious artificers at Birmingham and other places, 
and considerable quantities of it are exported. Dr. 
Watson, in the fourth volume of his Chemical Essays, 
expresses thus. " the Zinc made here is whiter and 
brighter than any other, either English or Foreign. " 
They have a patent for making malleable Zinc, for 



94 

covering buildings, &c. This company also manufac- 
ture Iron Wire, Hoops and Sheets, with a powerful 
steam engine, in cheese lane. 

Patent Shot and Lead Works. — The Small Shot cast 
at Bristol is preferred abroad to any other, on account 
of its rotundity. The patent shot, which is superior 
to any other kind, and so much esteemed, was invent- 
ed by the late Mr. William Watts, Plumber of this 
city, who erected a tower here for its manufacture, 
and obtained a patent for his discovery. It is still 
manufactured on RedcliiF hill, by Mr. Christopher 
George, where he also manufactures lead into milied 
and cast sheets and patent lead pipes. 

In St. Philip's, (J. S. Riddle, and Co.) and on the 
road to Easton, (R. Bayly and Co.) are two consi- 
derable Lead Works, where lead is smelted from the 
ore, and rolled, or cast into sheets ; also for prepar- 
ing While lead. 

The Iron Foundries of Bristol are considerable, 
where all kinds of castings are made for machinery, 
&c. ; and at the principal one, belonging to Messrs. 
John Winwood and Co. Cheese lane, St. Philip's, 
where Steam Engines are likewise prepared, Canon 
are cast Of all sizes, which are bored by means of a 
steam engine. 

A patent was granted to John Garnett, esq. late of 
this city, for his Invention to lessen Friction in all 
kinds of wheels, blocks for ships, grind-stones and 
rollers ; this is of imporance to all connected in mi 11- 
work, where great powers are required ; for by its 
use, a far less force answers every purpose, the move- 
ments being rendered more easy, the works of course 
last longer, and seldom want repairs. The present 
firm is S. Dobbins, and Co. Patent Wheel and Block 
manufacturers. Brass fy Iron Founders, College street, 
where Sugar-mills, are made, and all kinds of articles 
in the above branches for the West Indies. 

Distillery — There is one large Distillery for spirits, 
Thomas Castle and Co. in St. Philip's, and several 
Rectifying houses, which are in high estimation, and 
supply the whole city. 



95 

The Breweries of Bristol are numerous and exten- 
sile, and their malt liquors are stronger and finer 
than in many other cities. Most of the Publicans 
have the advantage of Brewing' their- own Beer : long 
lists may be referred to in the Commercial List of the 
Bristol Directory. 

Sugar Houses — There are ten large Sugar-Houses in 
Bristol, where sugars are manufactured in the usual 
May, and in three or four of them by the patent method. 
Coals being much cheaper than in London, loaf sugar 
is made here, and sold on better terms than it can 
be any where else. The single-refined sugars of Bris- 
tol are more esteemed, and will get a higher price 
abroad than those of other places. 

Soap Manufacture. — Postlethwaite, in his Diction- 
ary of Trade and Commerce, informs us. that " the 
first manufacture of soap in England was in Bristol. 
In 1523 it supplied London with the best grey speckled 
soap, and with white also." The Bristol soap is of 
very superior quality, and great quantities of it is sent 
to London, and other parts of the kingdom. 

Glass Manufactories. — Among the various manufac- 
tories which exist in this opulent and extensive city, 
none appear to us more curious, or more deserving 
inspection, than the different glass manufactories. 
The Bristol glass of every description, has been 
generally considered as the best manufactured in the 
kingdom. This appears to be sufficiently ascertained 
by a comparison of the article in a foreign market. 
The principal export trade is to America, Spain and 
Portugal, and to the East and West Indies. To 
America in particular, flint glass has been sent from 
different parts of the continent of Europe, which, on 
comparison with the Bristol glass, has been found to 
be deficient in point of colour, as well as in its spe- 
cific gravity. The following are the firms : — « 

Flint Glass House, Messrs Henry Rieketts and Co. 
Temple-gate, and Black Bottle Hotise, (Patentees) 
Avon-street, St. Philip's. 

Black Bottle Hou$es y Messrs. Cooksons and Pow- 
ells, Avon-street, St. Phjjip's, anil Messrs. John 



Nicholas and Co. Limekiln dock. Messrs. Lucas, 
Coathupe and Homers, Crown Glass Manufacturers* 
Nailsea, ; offices and warehouses, Nicholas street. 

Those of our readers who are curiously inclined, 
would be highly gratified with a visit to Messrs. 
Ricketts, and Co. Temple gate, where strangers are 
permitted to view the Flint Glass works, by giving a 
small gratuity to the workmen. 

Floor Cloth Manufactory. — One of the first attrac- 
tions to Strangers visiting the city is, The Floor Cloth 
Manufactory. The superior style in which this article 
is here produced by Messrs. John Hare and Sons, has 
called forth the warmest admiration from the nume- 
rous distinguished Foreigners who have visited the 
concern, and is particularly noticed in the Travels of 
Nemnich, and Dr. J. H. Spiker, Librarian to the King 
of Prussia. The whole process of this manufacture is 
conducted on the premises, from spinning the Flax, 
weaving, &c. with the manufacture of Colors, to the 
completion in pieces, 180 feet long and 27 wide, of the 
most rich and varied patterns ; which are exported 
to all parts of the world : mauufactory Temple gate. 

Bristol Pottery. — The earthen-ware manufactory, 
under the name of the Bristol Pottery, is on Temple 
Back ; it is carried on by Messrs. Pountney and 
Allies, has been established several years, and is now 
on a large and extensive scale, giving employ to about 
200 men, women, and children. The articles they 
produce are similar to those of Mr. Wedgwood's, and 
the other superior potteries of Staffordshire, and con- 
stitute, in addition to the home trade, a considerable 
article of export to all the foreign markets. They 
grind their materials by the means of a large and 
powerful steam-engine, and the various processes of 
forming the ware, of the glazing, of the printing, the 
painting, the enamelling, &c. are peculiarly curious 
and interesting. Admission may be had by applica- 
tion to the proprietors at the counting-house on the 
premises. 



CHAP. X. 

Buildings of Bristol in general, the principal ancient and 

modem Streets, the Squares, open Places, and 

Conveniencies for ambulatory Ex er citations* 



BARRETT observes, that the whole city is well 
built, considering that it has never yet been burned 
down and rebuilt, or ever suffered much by fires. 
Guthrie, in his Geographical Grammar, asserts, that 
" Bristol is not a well-built city." Perhaps Barrett 
might be too partial to the town, and Guthrie not well 
enough acquainted with all parts of it to judge. The 
truth is, that the internal and most ancient parts of 
Bristol have a much better appearance than most other 
old cities and towns, as great sums have been ex- 
pended in rebuilding and newly fronting them. But 
still we can see something of Bristol as in its ancient 
state, so distant as about two, three, or more centuries 
ago. The great house on St. Augustine's Back, now 
Colston's School ; a spacious old mansion in Small- 
street (which perhaps received king Charles l.)with 
a large bow-window; the north-east corner of High- 
street ; some houses in Baldwin and Maryport-streets, 
the Pithay, Lewin's-mead, on the Broad- wear, Tem- 
ple-street, and other places, may help us to ideas of 
what the city was in former times. To give a proper 
description of this place — "It is an ancient town 
surrounded by a modern, and is partly well, and 
partly ill built. The antique and internal parts of the 
town are very irregular, consisting of ancient houses 
of wood and plaster, and sharp tops, and some with 
three or four projecting stories, with an intermixture 
of old fronts modernised ; some good houses of brick 

Q 



98 
and a few of stone with level tops and cornices, some 
higher, some lower, altogether composing, remark- 
able, and in several places, not unpl easing masses 
of irregularity. Though some of the most ancient 
streets have of late years been widened and improved, 
and several new streets totally, handsomely, and 
uniformly built, viz. — Bridge-street, all of stone, the 
houses four stories high, and elegantly finished : 
Clare-street, Union, and Bath-streets, of brick, orna- 
mented with stone, with several others. Bristol has 
done much in improving an old town, and as the 
desirable blessing of peace has been granted to us, 
will undoubtedly do more. The modern and exter- 
nal parts of Bristol are more regularly, handsomely, 
or elegantly built of brick and stone, and all other 
buildings are prohibited by act of parliment. 

The most spacious of the old streets, are, the 
Old Market street, West-street, Castle-street, Peter- 
street, Broadmead, part of Wine-street, High-street, 
St. Augustine's-back, the Broad-quay, King-street, 
St. Michael's hill; and over the bridge, Temple and 
Thomas streets, and Redcliff hill. The most regular 
beautiful or elegant streets of the external and modern 
parts are, Park-street, Great George's and Charlotte- 
streets, built mostly of freestone.- College-street and 
Trinity-street of brick; Unity and Orchard-streets 
and Princes-street, the most spacious of all, each of 
stone and brick ; and in St. James's and St. Paul's, 
Stoke's-croft, St. James's-barton, Cumberland-street, 
with too great a number of others to mention, that are 
decently and handsomely constructed. These con- 
tain many large, or convenient houses for genteel 
families, let at moderate rents, and with the other 
conveniences peculiar to Bristol, such as coals, whole- 
some air, and water, plenty and cheapness of Provi- 
sions, attract families to settle here, and to occupy 
the new houses that are always erecting. 

The squares in various parts of the town are nine : 
1. HOPE SQUARE, a small place at the western 
part of the town, so called from Lady Hope, who 
founded a Chapel, which stands on the eastern side 



99 
of it. This is built on a declivity, has two other sides 
of brick houses, and the fourth irregular. 

II. Dowry Square, a little to the east of the other. 
This is handsomely built of brick, and has a neat 
garden or plantation with a walk around it inclosed 
with rails. 

III. Berkeley Square stands on a gentle slope, 
on the north-east side of Brandon-hill. This square 
is elegantly built of freestone. The houses are on 
three sides only, the south-east side is left open, near 
to which a new street (Charlotte) being since placed 
it has the appearance of a fourth side from the upper 
part of the square. The spacious area of this ele- 
vated, pleasant, and beautiful pile, is inclosed from 
the coach-ways by a dwaft wall and iron palisades. 
The upper stories of these houses command a view 
of great part of the city ; and agreeable objects, villas, 
houses, and cottages among the trees, in the adjacent 
country ; and, in a clear day, Devonshire-place, near 
Holloway, Bath, which may be seen also on Brandon 
hill, Durdham-down, Kingsdown, and several other 
neighbouring hills, and are the only buildings con- 
nected with Bath that are visible at Bristol. The 
upper parts of Bath can be viewed from Herridge 
common, below Dundry, three miles from Bristol; 
and on Dundry- hill and tower. 

IV. Queen Square, the largest in Bristol, and 
in England, (except Lincoln's-inn, in London,) in- 
cluding seven acres and a quarter. The houses are 
all handsomely and uniformly built, chiefly of brick, 
with a few of stone. It has eight avenues, one at 
each corner and one in the middle of each side. 
There are courts before the houses, and smooth foot- 
ways and a carriage-way between the courts and the 
area, which is inclosed with rails, and has on each 
side a spacions gravel-walk, bordered with elms. 
There are gravel-walks from each avenue that lead 
to the centre, in which, upon a high pedestal of Port- 
land stone, surrounded with iron rails and lamps, is 
a curious equestrian statue of king William III. cast 
t)f copper, and done by Rysbrack. The whole square 

[LofC. 



100 
lias a magnificent appearance ; the walks and grass 
being rolled and kept in the neatest order, by an offi- 
cer, who has an annual salary. Here are the Custom 
house, Mansion-house, and Excise-office. 

V. King Square, to the north of St. James's, is 
on a gentle slope at the bottom of Kingsdown-hill, 
the ascent to which from the square is very steep, 
yet covered with houses up to and beyond the summit. 
The houses are uniformly built of brick ornamented 
with stone ; the whole area surrounded by rails and 
lime trees ; the walks neatly gravelled, the square 
clean, wholesome, and pleasant, and w r ell lighted 
with lamps. 

VI. Brunswick Square, in St. Paul's parish is 
built of brick ornamented with stone. The eastern 
side is an elegant pile. The area is inclosed with 
rails and trees. 

VII. St. James's Square, is well built of brick ; 
its houses are large and good ; it is neatly paved all 
over with stone. 

VIII. Portland Square, so named in honor of 
the Duke of Portland, the late High Steward of Bris- 
tol. This is a handsome square, the houses are all 
fronted with freestone. The northern and southern 
sides are elevated by attic stories at the centre and 
corner houses ; the other sides at the corner houses 
only. In the centre of the eastern side, stand a 
beautiful church and steeple in modern gothic, dedi- 
cated to St. Paul. In the middle of the square is a 
circular grass-plat and shubbery, inclosed with iron 
palisades. This is the most regular and elegant 
square in Bristol. 

IX. Somerset Square, the only one on the south 
side of Bristol-bridge; at RedclifT, not far from the 
church. This is a retired situation, neatly built of 
brick, the area is a garden, inclosed by a dwaft wall, 
with walks for the inhabitants. It has a pleasing 
opening and prospect into Somersetshire, of a ver- 
dant valley, (between which the new river flows) 
terminating in Dundry hill and tower. 

There are several other places in Bristol, that are 



101 

not named squares, the principal of winch is the 
COLLEGE GREEN: this is on a fine elevation; 
its plan is nearly triangular ; on the south side are 
the Cathedral, St. Augustine's church, and the fine 
old Gate of the Monastery ; on the north side St. 
Mark's Church, commonly called the Mayors chapel. 
There are some very good modern houses of stone 
and brick, and a spacious way for carriages on each 
side. The green is inclosed with wood rails, within 
which a gravel- walk shaded with lime trees, bounds 
the whole area. This Green has undergone great 
improvement ; the walks newly gravelled, and the 
whole of the centre encompassed with iron rails, also 
the two walks between. The one is from east to west, 
and the other across it from north to south, leads to 
the door of the cathedral. This on all accounts, is 
the pleasantest, and next after Queen-square, the 
most spacious place in Bristol, The grass is kept in 
good order, and the walks are lighted with lamps by 
night. 

There are some other open places not squares, such 
as the Mall, at Clifton, Dowry-parade, the Lower 
Green, St. Augustine's Place, St. James's spacious 
Church-yard, and St. James's Barton, in which are 
many decent buildings and genteel inhabitants. 

There are public parades and convenient and agree- 
able places to walk on, for the inhabitants, in most 
parts of the town. For the western parts, and the no- 
bility and gentry, there are the colonade or crescent, 
and the gravel walk, shaded with trees, by the river, 
one for rainy and the other for fair weather; the paved 
parade near Dowry-square, the Royal York Crescent, 
Richmond Terrace, and the Mall. 

In the city there are the Gravel- walk on Brandon- 
hill, the walks in College-green, and the noble walks 
in Queen- square, the parade in St: James's church- 
yard ; another on Kingsdown, and the walks in King's 
and Brunswick-squares, all of w r hich are open to the 
public. For the inhabitants south of Bristol-bridge 
there are the walks in Redcliff church-yard ; and also 
Redcliff-parade, which stands on a lofty elevation 



102 
above the river, has an iron palisade (with lamps) the 
whole length of the edge of this beautiful terrace ; and 
from whence there is a pleasant prospect of the city, 
harbour, and shipping. 

Having briefly treated of that large mass of build- 
ings and appendages, named Bristol, which cover 
above 1600 acres of ground, and which are the prin- 
cipal with respect to extent, let us now attend to the 
public buildings, devoted to particular purposes. 

And it will be highly proper to begin with those that 
are dedicated to the use of the worshippers of that 
DEITY who has ever been an awful object to consi- 
derate persons, and to mankind in general, the eternal, 
invisible, and infinitely great and gracious Creator, 
and the God of all nations, the only righteous and 
proper Object of our supreme veneration ; who is too 
wise and good to be partial to the people of particular 
countries, complexions and professioss ; and who (we 
have every reason to conclude) will graciously accept 
the adoration, gratitude and obedience, sincerely 
intended for HIM, to whatever erroneous names, 
numbers, firm, or form it may be offered, and from 
the good and well-meaning of whatever national 
profession, sect, party, or denomination. 

As London has two great churches, St. Paul's and 
Westminster Abbey; and as Dublin has two, Christ 
church and St. Patrick's ; Bristol has also two prin- 
cipal Churches, the Cathedral and the Church of St. 
Mary, at RedclifF, which as they are eminent above 
the others, are venerably conspicuous from the sur- 
rounding hills and country. 



CHAP. XI. 

Whe Public Buildings dedicated to Divine Worship: 
and primarily in this Chapter. 



«' Oh ! hadde I now a raockeler poyntell, 

Mnche sholile I lacke in wordies now to sayne, 
FlTZHARDYNG's glorious dedes and workes to telle; 

The mynster speaketh here, battaunte and plaine ! 
Staie, faytore, staie, the»e bawson pillarrs kenn ; 

Awhape tiiie Ee tvytlie cloud-hylt Towyrs hyghe, 
Bojlte bie Fitzhahdvnge, firste of mortalle men, 

Whose fayme wyl sheen for aje and iieyr die I" 



Ancitnt MS. 



THIS Cathedral Church was originally the Abbey 
Church of the Monastery of St. Augustine, which 
was founded by Robert Fitzharding, son of Harding, 
a younger son of the King of Denmark. Robert of 
Glocester, the old monkish poet, gives some account 
of Harding. 

"A bargeys of Bristow, tho' Robert Hardyng, 

For grete tresour and richesse so well was wyth the Kyng, 

That he yaft him and his hteires the noble barony 

That so rjch is of Berkeley, with all the seignorie; 

And thulk Robert Hardyng arered sutli, I wyss 

An Abbey at Bristow of St. Austyn that is." 



104 
EXTRACT from an ancient MS. 

*■ Raufe Renaulde toe Johnne a Dannburie. 

" Onn the Mynster. 

■ Inhanted han I ben to feste mie eyene, 

Wyth geason workes, so per'd theie to my mynde, 

Botte whann I sawe the Measondue so fyne, 
Bie yt, ilk othyr was atlenes y-wrin'd. 

u Good Dankeurie, moste sothlie doe I sayne, 
Austyn's the fiowret of the roode y-blest ; 

Rennome wyl Bristowe han fro yt alleyne, 

Allbytte her grete dedes be from her rhestte ! 

"Sykyr Fitzhardeynce was a hallie wyghte; 

Soche tendementes wyll fynde to heav'n a waie. 
Soe seemlie pyle y-buyl'd, joieowes to syghte, 

Wher charytie sheens bryghte her cheerynge raie; 

" Wher the pale sinner swythen hath releece; 

Y-wher relygion's tapyr castethe rounde 
On all a heav'nile soothing dolcie peece ; 

Tys there yatte sellynesse can be bie mortalles found ! " 

Robert Fitzharcling was made lord of Berkeley 
by king Henry II. who patronized, and contributed 
towards this foundation. The ancient and superb 
gate and gate house of the monastery are still remain- 
ing, though the height of the arch is lessened by the 
rise of the ground in so many hundred years. The 
gate is of Saxon architecture, in use before the 
Gothic with pointed arches was become universal, 
and is of most curious workmanship : the scrolls, 
twists, and other ornaments, are so interwoven and 
intricate, that it is difficult to trace them out. This 
Gate, with its ancient inscription, the old Cathedral 
Church, the Cloisters, Chapter-House, and remains 
of the monastery about the Lower Green, are worthy 
the attention of the antiquarian, architect, and conni- 
seur. The inscription over the gate, in one line of 
old English letters, is literally as follows : — 

Rex Henricus seclidus et dus Robertus fili' Her- 
dyngi filii regis daciae huj' monasterii primi ftundatores 
exiterunt. That is : king Henry II. and lord Robert, 
sou of Herdyng, son of the king of Denmark, were 



105 
the first founders of this monastery. — In 1141, Simon, 
bishop of Worcester ; Robert, bishop of Exeter ; 
Geoffrey, bishop of Landaff, and Gilbert, bishop of 
St. Asaph, dedicated the church to St. Augustine. 

Robert Fitzharding died a canon of his own 
monastery, his wife Eva, also died the prioress of 
some religious house in Bristol. This Robert was in 
great friendship with Robert, earl of Glocester, and 
most heartily espoused the cause of the empress 
Maud, and her son Henry II. Henry being bred up 
at Bristol, became intimately acquainted with Fitz- 
harding. The regard imbibed for each other in their 
school-boy days, continued to increase with their 
years ; and as Fitzharding strenuously exerted him- 
self in behalf of his royal friend ; so Henry when he 
came to the crown distinguished Fitzharding by the 
most honourable testimonies of his friendship and 
respect. 

A monument is erected to the memory of Robert 
Fitzharding, under an arch in the Lady-Chapel, a little 
to the east of the door; a well-ornamented tomb, 
sustaining two sculptures of stone, of the Founder, in 
armour, and his wife Eva, recumbent, and as large as 
life: this is inclosed with iron rails, and near to the 
tomb is the following inscription on marble : — 

"The monument of Robert Fitzharding, lord of 
Berkeley, decsended from the kings of Denmark; and 
Eva his wife, by whom he had five sons and two daugh- 
ters : Maurice, his eldest son, was the first of the 
family that took the name of Berkeley : this Robert 
Fitzharding laid the foundation of this church and 
monastery of St, Augustine, in the year 1 140, the fifth 
of king Stephen, dedicated and endowed it in I 143. 
He died in the year 1170, in the 17th of king Henry 
II. This monument was repaired A. D. 1742. 

" From the said Robert Fitzharding, lord cf Berkeley, 
Augustus, the earl, is the two and twentieth in d < is 

From the dedication of this monastery to its dissolu- 
tion, 1539, it had 25 abbots, some of whom wore free 
and licentious livers, and did not keep up the stric- 
tures of their profession. At the visitation, prior to 

P 



ion 

the dissolution, Guilliam Morgan, it is said, the last 
of them, v as found to have a little snug ecclesiastienl 
seraglio of six ladies, stiled by Fuller and Speed 
" lewd women/' 

At the dissolution of monasteries by king Henry 
VI11. this noble church, then about 350 feet in length, 
was party demolished, and part just preserved from 
the fate of other venerable structures, the ornament 
and boast of the country, The destruction of those 
buildings was inexpressibly absurd. If the lives and 
manners of their inhabitants were depraved and noxi- 
ous, the stones and buildings were innoxious, and 
might have been rendered useful as temples for divine 
worship, hospitals, schools, and work-houses. The 
rapacity of the reforming commissioners of those times 
was such, that for the sake of the lead on the roof, 
they eagerly set to work on it, and after they had 
stripped it off, proceeded to destroy the structure^itself. 
But king Henry, to palliate his cacrilege, and make 
a shew of refunding, having determined to establish 
six new bishoprics, of which Bristol was one, and 
having been informed that there was enough of the 
fabrick left standing for a cathedral, by express order, 
put a stop to its further demolition, and the western 
part being taken away, it was walled up, and repaired. 
The revenue of this monastery, amounted to £767 
15s. 3d. which he settled on the bishop, dean, and 
chapter. He annexed the whole county of Dorset to 
this diocese ; which, with the city of Bristol, and some 
environs in Glocestershire, containing in all 246 
parishes, limit the jurisdiction of the bishop of Bristol. 
King Henry commanded the church to be from 
thenceforth denominated, the cathedral of the holy 
and undivided Trinity of the city of Bristol : and in 
the year 1542 appointed Paul Bush, an Augustine 
Friar of Oxford, canon of Salisbury and one of the 
king's chaplains, the first bishop of this see ; who is 
said to have had great skill in physic, and wrote a 
treatise on salves and curative remedies. In an old 
quarto book, in black letter, without title, date, or 
name of its author, I find this account of him : — " Paul 



107 
Bush, provincial of the Bonhommes, a man well 
learned both in divinity and physic, as his works yet 
extant may'testify, written some in prose, and some 
in verse. In the beginning of queen Mary's reigp he 
was deprived for being married ; and died unhappily 
a few days before her." He has a monument near the 
eastern end of the northern aisle, with a sculpture of 
a skeleton on his tomb, which has this inscription: 
** Hie jacet Dominus Palus Bush, primus nujus 
ecclesiae episcopus, qui obitt 11 die Octobris anno 
dominii 1553, aetatis suce 68, cojus animae proprietur 
Christus." Here lies Paul Bush, the first bishop of 
this church, who died the 11th day of October, in the 
year of our Lord 1558, aged 68: on whose soul 
Christ have mercy ! 

It would be needless to present our readers with 
merely the names of the bishops, and instead of such 
a list, we shall give a few brief particulars of the 
most noted. John Holyman, 1553, was a zealous 
Roman Catholic preacher, and writer against Lu- 
therans. Richard Fletcher, 1583, attended Mary, 
queen of Scots, on the scaffold, and killed himself by 
immoderately chewing or smoaking tobacco. Robert 
Wright, 1722, had the stone pulpit made, and the 
opposite seats for the corporation. Thomas West- 
field, 1641, was deprived by the Parliament ; wrote 
his own epitaph, and in it styled himself " the mean- 
est of bishops, and the chief of sinners. " Thomas 
Howell, 1644 ; the army turned his palace into a malt 
house, and himself out of doors. John Lake, 1684, 
was one of the seven bishops committed to the tower 
by James II. Jonathan Trelawney, 1685, corres- 
ponded with William, prince of Orange, and was a 
friend to the revolution. Thomas Seeker, 1734, was 
an author of several sermons and tracts. But the 
two principal literary, scientific, and useful characters 
on the lists are, first, Dr. John Butler, whose Sermons 
and Divine Analogy are monuments of his learning 
and good intellectual abilities. He was very gene- 
rous, annually expended more than he received from 
the whole see ; repaired the palace ; in the year 1750 



108 
proposed to the corporation the building a new church 
at Kingswood for instruction of the colliers, and gave 
£400 towards it. The second is, Dr. Thomas New- 
ton, 17(31 to 1732. This gentleman was a good prac- 
tical preacher, and a friend to literature and literary 
men. He published a commetary on Milton's Paradise 
Lost and Regained, which has gone through eight or 
nine editions. Mis life of Milton is a very curious, 
impartial piece of biography. He published Desser- 
tations on the Prophesies, in three volumns, octavo, 
and several other tracts and sermons. 

The Bishop (1825) is The Right Rev. Dr. John 
Kaye, Master of Christ college, Oxford, and Regius 
Professor of Divinity in the University of Cambridge. 

The present cathedral consists of the spacious cross 
of the old church, the tower on the middle of it, and 
all the rest of the church eastward. On the outside 
of the church are observable the strength and dimen- 
sions of the abutments, which project ten or twelve 
feet from the walls ; and also the tower which is square, 
large, not plain, but well ornamented, crowned with 
battlemeuts and four pinnacles ; and is a considerable 
object in and about the city, particularly from the 
west, at Clifton, Ashton, Bedminster, and from 
Mardyke, in the street leading to the Hotwell. 

There are eight steps from the door down to the 
church pavement. To be convinced of the greatness 
of the tower the stranger needs only to stand under 
it and observe the dimensions of the arches which 
support it. This church is in length from east to 
west 175 feet, the breadth of the cross from north to 
south 128 feet, the breadth of the body and aisles, 73 
feet, and the heigth of the tower 140 feet. A little 
to the west of the church, is still visible, at the lower 
part of a summer-house, at a projecting corner, part 
of the abutment of the western end of the northern 
aisle of the church ; which plainly shews how far that 
aisle extended before its demolition. 

The roof of the church is all beautifully arched 
with stone, and of different patterns, and has these 
peculiarities, that the heigth of the nave and aisles are 



109 
equal ; and that the roofs of the two aisles are incom- 
parably curious, (arches supporting arches,) and 
deserving the attention of those who have a taste for 
architecture. 

In the body of the church are, a haudsome pulpit 
of stone, ornamented with the arms of the king; 
prince of Wales ; bishopric ; city ; berkeley family ; 
and of bishop Wright, who erected and gave it to the 
church ; and also the seats and pews about it, for the 
bishop, clergy, mayor, corporation, and audience ; 
the screen that is before the choir has a beautiful 
Gothic gate- way, with the arms of king Henry VI II. 
and prince Edward over it ; the paintings of twelve 
minor prophets in pannelled niches. This supports 
a noble and excellent organ, in a superb and capital 
case, with the best front to the body of the church. 
There is also a small organ which fronts to the choir, 
beneath the other. The pipes of both the organs are 
not gilded, but shew their naked and dull tin ; though 
most of the parish organs shine with golden lustre. 
The choir is neat and small, in the Gothic taste ; and 
has proper seats for the bishop, arch-deacon, dean, 
sub-dean, chancellor, six prebendaries, a pne-centor, 
and four minor canons. The steps that lead to, and 
the platform of the altar, are paved with black and 
white marble. At the altar is a painting of a triangle, 
surrounded by cherubs, done by Va?isomers. The 
window to the east of the nave, and the four other 
windows of the chancel, are of painted glass, and the 
two windows at the end of the aisles are of enamelled 
glass, representing various scenes of scriptural history. 
At the end of the north aisle, is discovered the re- 
mains of an altar, of curious workmanship, and from 
its present appearance must have been in earlier 
times very handsome. This church has many gothic 
beauties and np wards of 100 monuments, both anci- 
ent modern, some very handsome, and all well exe- 
cuted, which have a grand and pleasing effect. 

There are several recumbent sculptures of stone, of 
full human dimensions, in various parts of the church, 
viz. of three mitred abbots in the chancel, four of 



110 
the Berkeley family, including the founder and his 
wife ; of Sir Charles Vaughan in the northern aisle ; 
and three fine figures of the Newtons of Bans-court. 

On the western side of the church, near to the 
north door, is an elegant highly finished monument 
to Mrs. Draper, the celebrated Eliza oi Sterne. It is 
in the form of a Gothic arch of Sienna marble, on 
which are two beautiful figures of white marble, in 
alto relievo, standing on each side of a pedestal, 
which supports an urn, with a wreath of flowers hang- 
ing down. The figure on the right, which represents 
Genius, has her left hand on her breast; and in her 
right, the Trumpet of Fame, with a flame issuing out 
of it. The other figure represents Benevolence, con- 
templating a nest in her left hand, in which a pelican 
is nourishing her young with her blood. Her right 
hand points to the inscription, on the pedestal, thus : 

" Sacred to the Memory of Mrs. Elizabeth Draper, 
in whom genius and benevolence were united." 

Further in on the same side is a monument 

* Sacred to the Menory of Mrs. Eleanor Daniel, who 
was born in Barbadoes, Nov. 22, 1737 ; and died at 
Bristol, the 15th June, 1774. 

Far from her nalive home lies buried here 
All that a Parent's fondness could desire ; 
All that a tender husband held most dear, 
All that the wants of childhood could require. 
Such was her earthly and domestic fame; 
But brighter Virtues glow'd within her mind ; 
She, during life, pursued a glorious aim, 
In sickness patient, and in death resign'd. 

On the same monument is a tablet, " To the me- 
mory of Thomas Daniel, Esq. late Merchant of this 
city, died 23d Feb. 1802. 

Near to the western door, on this side, is a new 
pyramidal monument, containing at the base, a beau- 
tiful female figure contemplating the sensitive plant ; 
on an urn above is the following inscription ; 
11 In Memory of Catherine, Wife of John Vernon, 



Ill 

junr. of Lincoln's Inn, who died June 3, 1794, aged 
19 years." 

And underneath. 

" Formed by nature to attract admiration, and to in- 
vite Respect ; lovely in her Person, graceful in her 
Manners, amiable in her disposition ; happy to re- 
ceive Pleasure, and more happy to impart it. Every 
one was conscious of her Merits but herself. The 
Disease to which she fell a victim, added lustre to 
the Virtues of her Mind, and the submissive Piety 
which prepared her way to Heaven taught the Duty 
of resignation to her afflicted Husbaud." 

N. B. This, and Mrs. Draper's Monument, were 
the operations of that exquisitely meritorious Sculp- 
tor, Bacon, of London. 

On the western side, near the entrance into the 
Cloisters, is an elegant monument, 

" Sacred to the memory of Mr. George Robinson, 
(Eldest son of George Robinson, Esq. of Knapton 
Grove, in the county of Norfolk) a young man of pro- 
mising acquirements and unaffected suavity of man- 
ners, whose remains are interred near this spot. His 
afflicted relatives and friends were suddenly deprived 
of him on the 5th day of August, 1820, in the 23d year 
of his age, by the upsetting of a small Boat, whilst cross- 
ing the Channel from the island of the Flat Holmes (to 
Uphill, Somersetshire,) where he was superintending 
the improvement of the Light-house, under the direction 
of the Honorable Corporation of the Trinity house, 
London ; this Monument is inscribed by his affection- 
ate and disconsolate Parents." On a marble tablet, 
in Bass-relief, above the inscription, is represented, 
the Boat tossing in the foaming billows of the sea, 
and at a little distance is the Light-house. This is 
well executed by Messrs. Tyley and Son, of Bristol. 

Over the entrance to the Cloisters, on the west side 
is, a neat monument to the memory of Mr. John 
Weeks, many years keeper of the Bush Inn, in this 
city, who died 18th of June, 1819, aged 74. A bust 
representing a good likeness, is above the inscription. 



112 

Near the above is a monument to the memory of 
Mr. Roger Watts, of this city, Wine merchant ; an 
excellent character ; his likeness in a bust, is on an 
oval, above the inscription. 

In the southern corner is an elegant monument 
representing a pedestal, and two profiles in relief, with 
the following inscription : 

" Emmae Craufuird, Uxori Eheu ! Quam desiderata?, 
sac. esse Vol. Gualtherus Kennedy Craufuird, Suus." 

In the northen aisle, without the rails, is a marble 
monument, 

" Sacred to the memory of Elizabeth, the wife of 
Samuel Moody, of London, Esq. who died at the 
Hotwells, Dec. 23, 1782, aged 26. 

*' Fair was her form, more fair her gentle mind, 
Where Virtue, Sense, and Piety combin'd . 
To wedded Love gave Friendship's highest zest, 
Endear'd the Wife, and made the Husband ble9t. 
Now widow'd Grief erects this sacred Stone, 
To make her Virtues and his Sorrows known. 
Reader, if thine the sympathetic tear, 
O stay — and drop the tender tribute here ! " 

Within the rails of the northern aisle on the right 
hand, is a monument to the memory of Mrs. Mason ; 
the epitaph is composed by the Rev. William Mason : 

" Mary, the daughter of William Sherman, of King- 
ston-upon-Hull, Esq. and Wife of the Rev. William 
Mason, died March 27, 1707, aged 28. 

" Take holy Earth all that my Soul holds dear ; 
Take that best Gift which Heav'n so lately gave: 
To Bristol's fount I bore with trembling care 
Her faded form, — she bow'd to taste the wave 
And died. Does youth, does- beauty read the line ? 
Does sympathetic fear their breasts alarm ? 
Speak, dead Maria ; breathe a strain divine : 
Ev'n from the grave thou shall have power to charm. 
Bid them be chaste, be innocent, like thee. 
Bid them in duty's sphere as meekly move : 
And if so fair, from vanity as free, 
As firm in friendship, and as fond in love — 
Tell them, tho' 'tis an awful thing to die, 
(Twas ev'n to thee) yet the dread path once trod, 
Heav'n lifts its everlasting portals high, 
And bids the pure in heart behold their God." 



113 

Nearly opposite Mrs. Masons is a lofty monument 
to the memory of Mr. William Powell, an excellent 
Actor in Tragedy and Comedy, who built the Theatre 
Royal in King street, and died at Bristol. On a 
pyramidical table is a bass-relief of the deceased, and 
the following inscription : 

" William Powell, esq. one of the patentees of the 
Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, died the 3d of July, 
1769, aged 33 years. His Widow caused this Monu- 
ment to be erected, as well to perpetuate his memory, 
as her own irretrievable loss of the best of Husbands, 
Fathers, and Friends. 

" Bristol ! to worth and gcnious ever just, 
To the our Powell's dear remains we trust ; 
Soft as the streams thy sacred springs impart, 
The milk of human kindness warm'd bis heart j 
That heart, which every tender feeling knew, 
The soil where Pity, Love and Friendship grew. 
Oh ! let a faithful Friend, wiih grief sincere, 
Inscribe his tomb, and drop the heartfelt tear; 
Here rest his praise, here sound his noblest fame, 
All else a bubble, or an empty name." 

G. COLMAN. 

Opposite is a neat Monument 

"T< the memory of Elizabeth Wastfield, who died at 
the Hotwells, the 26th December, 1770, aged 60, 
wife of Robert Wastfield, esq. of Mile-end, near 
London; this monument, from a just sense of her 
merit, and of his own loss, is erected by her dis- 
consolate husband. 

" Dear shade, adieu, the debt of Nature's paid ! 
Death's threaten'd stroke we parry but in vain; 
The healing spring no more could lend its aid, 
Med'cine no more could mitigate the pain, 
11 See by her dying form, mild Patience stand, 
Hope, Fase, and Comfort in her train she led: 
See gentle spirits waiting the command, 
Hush her to silence on the mournful bed. 

u In vain with heartfelt grief I mourn my friend, 
Fair Virtue's meed is bliss without alloy : 
Blest change ! — for pain, — true pleasure without end) 
For signs and moans, a pure graphic joy ! 

Q 



114 

" When death shall that new scene to me disclose, 
When I shall quit on earth this drear abode, 
Our freed, congenial spirits shall repose 
Safe in the bosom of our Saviour God ! " 

In the North aisle is a neat monument, 

" Sacred to the memory of Harriet, youngest Daugh- 
ter of the late G. G. Ducarel, Esq. of Exmouth, Co- 
Devon, and Wife of C. March Phillipps, Esq. Co. of 
Leicester, who died at Clifton, 24th of September, 
1813, JEt. XXIII. 

" If haply hereby contemplation led, 
Some Pilgrim seeks the lessons of the dead, 
Where many a storied Urn to sorrow just, 
Claims a brief notice of its treasured Dust; 
Oh! that this Tomb, which HARRIET'S virtues grave, 
(The last sad tribute which her PHILLIPPS gave,) 
How might he mourn the short-lived hopes of youth, 
The charms of Sense, Simplicity, and Truth ; 
The warmest feelings, with a soul resign'd, 
The softest nature, and firmest mind, 
Perfect, the social Charities to blend, 
The Wife, the Daughter, Sister, and the Friend $ 
Taught by the Word, its saving truths to know, 
And young in years, yet old in grace to grow, 
That only Solace, cheered the long delay, 
E're p-ale Consumption claimed her for his prey ; 
Shewed her, renewed by Faith, or pray'r to rise, 
(That golden chain of union with the Skies,) 
Her raptured vision caught the blest abode, 
Where wants are heaven, and where desires are God ; 
Weaned from the world, She gave th 'Example high ; 
Which youth had taught to live, and age to die." 

In the chancel is a monument to the memory of the 
learned and Rev. Dr. Nathaniel Foster, formerly 
prebendary of this church, and fellow of Christ-church 
college, Oxford, to whom we are indebted, for the 
most correct and beautiful edition, in quarto, of the 
Hebrew Bible, without points, ever published in Eng- 
land. His excellent and justly-merited character is 
well drawn up in Latin. 

At the entrance of the choir from the southern 
asile, on a stone in the pavement, is the following 



115 
inscription to the memory of a very eminent bishop 
of this diocese : 

H. S. 

Reverendus admodum in Christo Pater 
Josephus Butler, L. L. D. 
Hujusce primo Dicecescos 
Deinde Dunelmensis Episcopus 
Qualis quantusq Vir erat 
Sua libentissime agnovit iEtas 
Et siquid Praesuli aut Scriptori ad famam valent 
Mens altissima ingenii perspicacis et subacti Vis 
Animusq pius simplex candidus liberalis, 
Mortui baud facile evanescet Memoria. 

Obiit Bathoniae 

XVI. Kal. Jul. A. D. MDCCLI1. 

In the southern Aisle is a monument 
il Sacred to the memory of the Rev. Samuel Love, 
A. M. Fellow of Beliol College, Oxford, and one 
of the Minor Canons of this cathedral, who died 
18th Oct. 1773, aged 29. 

41 When worthless grandeur decks th' embellish'd urn, 
No poignant grief attends the sable bier ; 
But when distinguished excellence we mourn, 
Deep is the sorrow, genuine is the tear. 

*-' Stranger ! should*st thou approach this awful serine, 
The merits of the honour'd dead to seek; 
The friend, the son, the christian, the divine, 

Let those who knew him, those who lov'd him speak. 

" Oh ! let them in some pause from anguish say, 

What zeal inspir'd, what faith enlarg'd his breast, 
How soon th' unfetter'd spirit Wing'd its way, 

From Eaith to Heaven, from blessing to be blest." 

This, and several other monumental inscriptions in 
Bristol, were the productions of Miss Moore, who 
some years ago conducted a seminary for young la- 
dies, in Park-street. Her fine genius, and poetical 
productions are well known and deservedly esteemed. 

The above Mr. Love composed the following' lines 
on a robin-red-brest, who frequently, in time of divine 



1 10 

service, perched on one of the pinnacles of the organ, 
and joined the music with his warbling effusions, (as 
the story goes,) for fifteen years together, till 1787. 

u Sweet social Bi d ! whose soft harmonious lays 
Swell the glad song of ihy Creator's praise — 
Say. an thou conscious of approaching ills ? 
Fell winter's storms — the pointed blast that kills? 
Shnti'it thon the savage north's unpitying breath? 
Or cruel man's mote latent snares of death ? 
Here dwell secure; here with incessant note, 
Pour the soft music of thy trembling throat. 
Here gentle Bird, a sure asylum find, 
Nor dread the chilling frost, nor boist'rous wind. 
No hostile tyrant of the feather'd race, 
Shall dare invade thee in this hallow'd place; 
Nor while he sails the liquid air along, 
Check the shrill numbers of thy cheerful song. 
No cautious gunner, whose unerring sight 
Stops the swift eagle in his rapid flight, 
Shall here disturb my lovely songster's rest, 
Nor wound the plumage of his crimson breast. 
The truant school-boy who in wanton play 
With viscid lime involves the treacherous spray, 
In vain shali spread the wily snare for thee, 
Alike secure thy life and liberty. 
Peace then, sweet warbler, to thy fluttering heart* 
Defy the range of hawks, and toils of art ; 
Now shake thy downy plumes, now gladlier pay 
Thy grateful tribute to the rising day ; 
While crowds below their willing voices raise 
To sing with holy zeal Jehovah's praise. 
Thou, perch'd on high, shalt hearth' adoring throng, 
Catch the warm strain, and aid the sacred song, 
Increase the solemn chorus, and inspire 
Each tongue with music, and each heart with fire." 

In the same aisle is a very elegant monument 

" To the memory of William Gore, esq. formerly 
major in the 33d regiment of foot, and engaged in 
active and honorable service during ten campaigns 
in America. 

" In the revolutionary war, when the Royal Bristol 
Volunteers took up arms in 1797, he was appointed 
lieutenant-colonel of that regiment, and when it was 
revived after a short interval of peace, again unani- 
mously elected to the same command in 1803. By 
his spirit and military knowledge he eminently con- 



117 
tributed to its high reputation for skill and dicipline, 
and having preserved it in harmony and order until 
finally disbanded in 1814, amid the triumphs of our 
country, he soon after closed an honorable life, re- 
spected and lamented. 

"This monument was erected at the joint expence 
of the whole regiment, officers, non-commissioned 
officers, and privates, a public and unanimous testi- 
mony of esteem for his character as a soldier and a 
gentleman." 

The above inscription is headed with an excellent 
likeness of the colonel f and an urn surmounts a pedi- 
ment, supported by two volunteers, nearly as large 
as life, all of marble. The colonel was burried at 
Brislington, near Bristol. — by Tyley. 

The next monument in this Aisle, is to the memory 
of Mrs. Elwyn, representing a beautiful Female figure 
sitting in meditation, underneath is the following 
inscription : 

41 Mariae uxori Carissmae, anno aetatis Vicesimo Quin- 
to Ereptae Gulielmus Brame Elwyn, D. C. L. 
infelicissimus Posuit. Ob: Die Martii XXVIII. A. 
D. 1818. in Crypta Sti. Michaelis in hac urbe 
Ecclesiae Jacet Sepulta." 

At the east end of the south aisle, to the memory 
of Mrs. Grosett is placed in a Gothic recess, a Black 
Marble Tomb, ornamented with Bronze, and a Mar- 
ble Bible promiscuously laid on the top, executed 
by Tyley; this monument has a solemn and appropri- 
ate effect. On a Brass Plate is engraven the follow- 
ing inscription : 

" In the Vault underneath are deposited the Mortal 
Remains of Mary Spencer Grosett, the beloved Wife 
of J. R. Grosett, Esq. M. P. She Died at Lacock 
Abbey, in Wiltshire, on the 31st. Oct. 1820, aged 36 
years, a few weeks after the birth of a still born child : 
Endowed witli great Meakness of temper, she was a 
kind Friend, an affectionate Sister, the best of Wives, 
and a tender Mother of seven young Children. Con- 



118 

scious of a well spent life, with perfect tranquility 
and resignation, she saw her end approach; and full 
of hope she breathed her last, while her pure spirit 
returned to its Almighty Creator. — St. Paul 1st. Epist e - 
Thes*- ch. 5. v. 23. 

On the edge of the table, on Brass is engraven : 
" We should say Thy Will be done." 

The whole of this inscription is uniformly engraven 
in Old English characters. 

In a chapel, (called Newton's) to the western end 
of the southern aisle, are several grand monuments 
to the family of the New tons. One to the memory of 
Sir Henry Newton, of Barrs-eourt, in the county of 
Glocester, knt. who died 1599, has this inscription: 

li Courney, Hampton, Cradock, Newton last, 
Held on the measure of that ancient line 
Of Baron's biood ; full 70 years he past, 
And did in peace his sacred soul resign : 
His Christ he lov'd, he lov'd to feed the poor 
Such love assures a life that dies uo more." 

Close by is a lofty and ancient monument to the 
memory of Sir John Newton, Son of Theodore New- 
ton, and His Lady Grace, Daughter of — Stone, esq. 
who died without issue, 1661, on one of the tablets : 
" He was a man of great Courage, and the Greatest 
Loyalty to his Prince, an honor to his Country, a 
Credit and Noble ornament to his Name and Family." 
His figure lieth in armour underneath. 

Near this is another monument to the memory of 
Sir Richard Newton, who died Dec. 13th, 1444. 

In Newton's chapel, is a monument by the cele- 
brated Westmacott, R. A. of London, an elegant 
piece of workmanship, representing an Angel carry- 
ing a young Female to heaven, their feet just rising 
from the globe, and in a square tablet underneath : 
" Sacred to the memory of Elizabeth Charlotte Stan- 
hope, youngest daughter of the late Philip Stanhope, 
esq. of London, and of Lympsfield in Surry : who 



119 
departed tliis life 13th of June, 1816, at the Hotwells, 
Born Oct. loth, 1798." 

On a Pillar opposite the entrance is erected an 
elegant monument to the memory of Antonii Hen- 
derson, esq. On a pedestal of white Marble is raised 
a Pyramid bearing a Statue, representing the Father 
of the Deceased, reclining over his Tomb, contem- 
plating the inscription. The proportions and erection 
of this monumnt has been much admired. — Tyley, 
Sculptor. 

The cloisters may be entered from the western part of 
the church, it was a square of 103 feet each way, but 
the western and southern sides are taken down; the 
eastern side leads into the chapter-house and bishop's 
palace: the first is an elegant, curions building of 46 
feet by 26, and contains the library of the dean and 
chapter, and the last was repaired and partly rebuilt 
by bishop Butler in 1744. At this time happened 
the following accident : — A parcel of plate, supposed 
to have been hidden in the civil wars, fell through 
the decayed floor in a comer of one of the rooms ; 
the floor being taken up, a room appeared below, in 
which were found many human bones, and instru- 
ments of iron to punish and torture criminals. At 
the same time was discovered a private passage to 
this dungeon, originally constructed with the edifice, 
being an archway within the wall, just large enough 
for one person to pass through ; one end terminating 
in the dungeon, and the other in an apartment which 
appeared to be a court of judgment. 

There are devine service and chaunting here every 
day at eleven in the morning and three in the after- 
noon ; and a sermon on Sunday morning and prayers 
at five in the evening. In the tower are five bells, a 
tenor of about 2500 cwt. on which are struck the 
hours, two bells which sound the quarters, and two 
other? that are tolled for prayers. 

The ancient and beautiful high cross, adorned with 
eight kings, which stood in the centre of College 
green, was taken down to lay open the principal 



J 20 
walk, and given by dean Barton to Sir Richard Hoare, 
of Stourton, who has it erected in his elegant gardens. 

In the elder lady-chapel of the cathedral is a device 
of a Ram, playing on a violin with a remarkable long 
bow, and a shepherd sleeping while the wolf is de- 
vouring the sheep. This proves that the use of the 
bow was known at the time of building this most an- 
cient part of the church in 1148. Though some have 
supposed it was not known before the fourteenth 
century ; others have asserted that it was first used 
in England by the musicians attending the Pope's 
Nuncio, when he came here to receive the Peter-pence. 

The sub-sacrist is Mr. Phillips, who lives in the 
cloisters of the cathedral ; he is a very inteligent man, 
and will give every information respecting the anti- 
quities of this place, to ladies or gentlemen wishing 
to gratify their curiosity. Of Mr. Phillips also, this 
book may be purchased. 



CHAP. XII. 

&t)e Qtfuvtt) of gt JWars at Urttliti. 



What wond'rous monumente ! what pyle ys thys ! 

That byndes in wonder's chayne entendemente ! 
That doth aloft the ayrie skyen kyss, 

And seemeth mountaines joined bie cemente, 

From Godde hys grete and wond'rous storehouse sente 
Fulle welle myne eyne arede ytte canne ne bee, 

That manne could reare of thylke a greete eXtente, 
A chyrche so bausyn fety ve as we see J 

The flemed clouds disparted from it flie J 

Twylle bee, 1 wis, to alle eternytye. 



RowIie t 



THIS is commonly called Redcliff Church, 
being founded on a red sandy rock or ciift. Its pa- 
rish, with that of St. Thomas, Temple, and St. John's, 
at Bedminster, are equal to a city : and, like South- 
wark in London, lie on the southern side of the city 
and river. Camden observed, that " this church is 
like a cathedral," for it rises to a noble heigth above 
the neighbouring houses, embellishes and dignifies 
that part of the town, and the various perspective 
views of the city. The same author has left on re* 
cord, that, " on all accounts, it is the finest parish 
church in England." It is certainly a stately, vener- 
able, and beautiful Gothic structure ; internally in 
high preservation, and an antique worthf *.he attention 
of the traveller and connoisseur, 

ft 



122 

It was founded in the year 1292, by Simon de 
Burton, six times mayor of Bristol ; and was built of 
stone from the quarries of Dundry. It was many 
years in building ; brought to its present state (proba- 
bly) by various benefactors, and according to the 
Mayor s Calendar, was finished in the year 1376, and 
was then celebrated all over England. The tower 
and spire, of stone, were about 250 feet high; but 
at St. Paul's tide, 1445, by a terrible storm of thun- 
der and lightning, great part of the spire was thrown 
down ; and the roof, part of the nave, and particularly 
the southern aisle, were much damaged. The spire 
was never rebuilt, but was covered in as at present ; 
and the church and roof were thoroughly repaired by 
a Mr. William Cannings, an opulent merchant, and 
several times mayor of Bristol ; of whom the reader 
may see further particulars in his epitaph. 

The church is about three furlongs from Bristol 
bridge, and stands on an eminence, on the southren 
side of Redcliff street. The Church-yard is inclosed 
from the street, and also on the other sides by a 
balustrade of freestone. The ascent to this structure 
is by a flight of steps of Purbeck stone, many of them 
eighteen feet long. The church is old enough to have 
a most venerable appearance, however it is a very 
light building, having many windows. Though the 
tower is large, it is richly ornamented with a variety 
of carved work, niches and statues. On the northern 
side of the tower are statues of our Lady and Jesus, 
and in a nook behind, of the Founder. Upon the tow- 
er are four high pinnacles, and part of the spire : from 
the middle of which rises a spindle that supports a 
large handsome gilded cock ; the height of the whole 
is 160 feet ; the belfry contains a sonorous, deep peai 
of ten bells, the heaviest in Bristol and these parts. 
In William of Worcester's notes on Bristol, are the 
weights of six of the bells (to which two were added 
in the beginning of this century, and two more in 1823) 
and that of the tenor is 7000lbs. and upwards. Bar- 
rett, without authority, affirms, that all the bells were 
re-cast in 1762 ; the truth is, that only two or three of 



123 

the upper bells were re-cast that were cracked or out 
of tune. The church is built in form of a cross, and, 
like a cathedral, the nave rises above the aisles, and 
is enlightened by a series of lofty windows on each 
side. It has one peculiarity that adds much to its 
internal beauty ; and that is, that the cross has a nave 
and aisles similar to the body of the church, which 
have a fine effect when the spectator stands under the 
middle of the cross and looks around him. 

RedclifF Church has received the general approba- 
tion and applause of all good judges, for though it is 
spacious and lofty, it has a light and airy appearance ; 
the pillars are neat and slender, and wrought into the 
most delicate mouldings. The roof near 60 feet high, 
is arched with stone, and that of the nave and those of 
the aisles, which are all of stone, abound with devices 
and ornaments beautifully carved. The whole church, 
with our Lady chapel, is 239 feet in length, and the 
cross aisle from north to south 117 feet. The breadth 
of the nave and aisles is 59 feet, and of the cross 
nave and aisles 44 feet. The height of the aisles from 
east to west is 25 feet, which is the height of the two 
cross aisles from north to south. The height of the 
nave from the western door to the high altar is 54 feet, 
equal to which is the height of the nave of the cross. 
The Lady's Chapel is 42 feet long, which is divided 
from the church, and is used as a school ; the length 
from the western end to the high altar is now 179 feet. 
In short, the arches, pillars, roof, and the whole 
building cf this church are so truly light and elegant, 
that it may be deservedly viewed as a curiosity. 

The principal entrance is at the western door, which 
is eight feet broad and twelve high ; there are also 
two handsome porches on the northern and southern 
sides of the church. The northern portch is a most 
curious and beautiful gothic structure, especially in- 
ternally ; and is worthy the attention of those who 
visit the church : it has some little pillars of stone 
called dumb organs, which, when struck by the per* 
son who shows the church, sound like the deep notes 
of an organ out of tune. 



124 

The whole building is covered over with lead. 
The best views of the inside of the church are at the 
western door, under the middle of the cross, and at 
the high altar. Opposite to the pulpit is a throne, 
with a conopy, to receive the mayor, aldermen, and 
sheriffs, when they annually visit the fine old church 
on Whit-Sunday, on which day the floor is strewed 
with rushes, and the pews dressed with flowers. The 
floGr of the chancel and steps to the altar are of black 
and white marble. At the entrance of the chancel 
are iron gates, gilded and richly ornamented; as there 
are also at the western entrance of each aisle of the 
church. The Altar is quite in a rich and superb style. 
Over it are three capital paintings by Hogarth. That 
on the middle is the 5 largest, and represents the As- 
cension of Christ. That on the northern side is the 
High priest and servants Sealing the stone : and on 
the other, the women coming to look for the body of 
Christ, and the angel, who tells then " he is not here, 
he is risen." All these are large and lofty, in rich 
carved and gilded frames. Sir Clifton Winteringham, 
baronet, one the king's physicians, presented to this 
church a picture of Jesus raising the daughter of Jarius 
to life, painted by Mr. Fresham, the baronet's nephew, 
of the royal academy. This is advantageously placed 
in the middle of the altar. In the centre of the cross 
aisles is a pillar and eagle of brass, the gift of a pin- 
maker of this parish. 

At the western end of the nave stands on arches an 
elegant gallery of stone, with a dial in the front, on 
which is a grand magnificent organ, which for size, 
height, compass, diameter of pipes, and richness of 
tone, is excelled by none in the west. It measures 
in height from the ground, 53 feet, and contains up- 
wards of 1000 speaking pipes, of which Messrs. Harris 
and JByfield, published an account at the time of its 
being put up in this church. The case is very elegant, 
and was designed by Mr. Strahan, architect, who 
built lledland court house. This noble instrument has 
undergone several alterations and improvements by 
Mr, J, Smith, organ-builder of this city. It has two 



125 
large horizontal bellows, nine feet square, which sup- 
plies it with four times as much wind as the whole 
four of the old bellows, which were removed ; likewise 
a copula movemeut, to unite the choir organ to the 
great organ at pleasure, which gives it great power 
and variety, and to octaves of pedals for the feet. 

At the northern end of the cross is a baptismal font 
of white marble, beautifully constructed, placed on an 
elevated floor paved with marble and railed in. Under 
one of the arches of the tower is kept, as a relic, a 
large crooked bone, called the dan cow's rib, said to 
be a rib of the monstrous dun cow killed by Guy, Earl 
of Warwick. 1 shall add to this short account of the 
curious beauties of this ancient fabric, that Leland 
called it, " by far the most beautiful of all churches :" 
and Camden, "So large it is, and the workmanship 
so exquisite, and the roof so artificially vaulted with 
stone, and the tower so high, that, in my opinion, it 
is the most elegant of all the parish churches that 1 have 
yet seen in England" 

Divine service is performed here twice every Sunday 
and there are prayers in the week. The hours are 
struck on the great bell, and there are chimes at 1, 5, 
and 9, to an ancient solemn psalm tune, suitable to 
the grand tone of these venerable musical bells. 

This church is adorned with many elegant monu- 
ments. At the sonth end of the cross aisle is a stately 
monument of Mr. William Canings in his magisterial 
robes, and of Joan, his wife, lying on an altar tomb, 
in full proportion, under a canopy, handsomely carved 
in freestone, and painted ; within the statues are the 
following inscriptions, in a frame : — • 

" Mr. William Canings ye richest marchant of ye 
toune of Bristow, afterwards chosen five times mayor 
of ye said toune, for ye good of ye common wealth of 
ye same : he was in order of priesthood 7 years ; and 
afterwards deane of Westbury, and died ye 7th of 
Nov. 1474; which said William did build within ye 
said toune of Westbury a college (which his canans) 
and the said William did maintaine, by spece of eight 
years : 800 handy crafts men, besides carpenters and 



126 

masons, every day 100 men. Besides king Edward 
4th. had of ye said William, 3000 marks for his peace, 
to be had in 2470 tonnes of shipping, these are ye 
names of his shipping with their burdens : — 

tonnes tonnes 

ye Mary Canines 400 ye Mi>ry Batt - 220 

ye Mary RedclirT 500 ye Liule Nicholas 140 

ye Mary and John 900 ye Margaret - - 200 

ye Galltott - - 050 ye Catherine Boston 22 

ye Katheiine - 140 A Ship in Ireland 100 

" No age nor time can wear out well woon fame 

the stones themselves a stately work doth shew 

from senceless graue we ground may men's good name 

And noble minds by ventrous deeds we know 

A Lantern cleer sets forth a candell light 

A worthey act declares a worthy wight 

the Buildsngs rare that here you may behold 

To shrine his bones deserves a tombe of gold 

The famous Fabrick that he here hath donne 

Shines in its sphere as glorious as the Sonne 

What needs more wordes ye future World e he sought 

An set the pompe and pride of this at nought 

Heaven was his aim let heaven be still his station 

That leaves such work for others imitation," 

There is also another monument of Mr. Canings, 
with his statue well carved in alabaster, lying in his 
priestly robes as dean of Westbury, with hands lifted 
up, and a large book under his head. 

In the same aisle are two other monuments worthy 
of our notice. One to the memory of Sir William 
Penn, knt. the father of Mr William Penn, who was 
one of the Friends, a considerable writer among them, 
proprietor of Penny sylvania, and founder of Phila- 
delphia. 

" Sir William Penn, knight, born at Bristol, 1621, 
of the Penns, of Penns-lodge in the county of Wilts. 
He was made captain at 21 ; rear-admiral of Ireland 
at 23 ; vice-admiral of England at 31, and general in 
the first Dutch war at 32; whence returning in 1653, 
he was chosen a parliament-man for Weymouth ; 
1660, was commissioner of the Admiralty and Navy, 
governor of the forts and town of Kingsale, vice-ad- 
miral of Munster, and a member of that Provincial 
Council ; and m 1664 was chosen great captain-com- 



127 
wander under his royal highness in that signal and 
most evidently successful fight against the Dutch fleet. 
Thus he took leave of the sea, his old element, but 
continued his other employs till 1669, when through 
bodily infirmities (contracted through the care and 
fatigue of public affairs) he withdrew, prepared and 
made for his end, and with a gentle and even gale, in 
*nuch peace, reached his last and best port, at Wan- 
stead, in the county of Essex, 16th September, 1670, 
being then but 49 years of age and four months. To 
whose name and merit his surviving Lady erected 
this rememberance." 

The other monument at the northern end of the 
aisle has the following inscription, by Miss Moore. 

" Near this pillar are deposited the remains of Mrs. 
Fortune Little, widow of Mr. John Little, late of this 
parish. She died June 28, 1777, aged 57. 

11 Oh ! could this verse her bright example spread, 
And teach the living while it prais'd the dead ; 
Then, Reader, should it speak her hope divine, 
Not to record her faith but strengthen thine ; 

u Then should her every virtue stand confessed, 
'Till ev'ry virtue kindled. in thy breast; 
But if thou slight the monitory strain, 
And she has liv'd to thee at least in vain ; 

" Vet let her Death an awful Lesson give ! 
The dying christian speaks to all that live: 
Enough for ^erthat here her ashes rest, 
'Till GOD's own plaudit shall her worth attest." 

Hannah Moore. 

On the outside of the church, near to the southern 
end of the cross, fronting the east, at the second 
abutment, there is a small space inclosed with rails, 
within which, on a marble stone are inscribed the 
following lines, written by the late Rev. Emanuel 
Collins, Poet and Satirist of this city. 

«< All Flesh is grass ; 

And the beauty thereof as the flower of the field." 

" Had restless time ! whose harvest is each hour, 
Made but a pause, — to view this lovely flower, 
In pity he'd have lurn'd his scythe away, 
And left it blooming to a future day. 



128 

But ruthless! he mow'd on, and it, alas! 

(Too soon) fell withering with the common grass !° 

M In memory of Johanna Rowland, a woman beauti- 
ful in her person, equally so in her mind ; who quited 
this earthly stage for that of sublime bliss, in the 22d 
year of her life, 1752, and lies interred underneath." 

The Church-yard is spacious, and has walks neatly 
paved with hewn stones ; which were shaded with 
trees, till the southern front was repaired, and every 
one of its pinnacles rebuilt in the year 1796, under 
the direction of Mr. Allen, architect, when the trees 
were all removed, which served only to obscure this 
parochial temple, 200 feet in length, now entirely 
exposed to the view of an approving public. There 
was an ancient, elegant cross of stone in the centre 
of it, from which, formerly sermons were preached ; 
it was taken down about 50 years ago. 

This vicarage, connected with those of St. Thomas 
in Bristol, Bedminster, and Abbots-Leigh, are in the 
gift of the dean and chapter of Salisbury, and afford 
a considerable income on the incumbent. 

From the leads of the Cathedral and Redcliff tow- 
ers, there are delectable views of the city and country; 
up to these summits are good stairs of stone, and, in 
a fine day, strangers may gratify their curiosity con- 
cerning the extent and situatfion of Bristol, better 
than they can from any of the neighbouring hills or 
eminences. 

The gentry, whose curiosity may induce them to 
view this church, are informed, that the sexton lives 
at the southern end of Colston's parade. 



CHAP. XIII. 

Other Churches, Chapels, and Buildings for Public 

Worship. 



THE other Churches in this city and suburbs are 
Nineteen ; the livings of nine of which are in the gift 
of the Corporation : those of Saints James, Paul, 
Michael, John Baptist, Peter, Philip and Jacob, Mark, 
with Christ church and Temple. Three are in the 
gift of the Dean and Chapter of Bristol : All Saints', 
St. Nicholas and St. Augustine. Two are in the gift 
of the Lord Chancellor : St. Stephen and St. Wer- 
burgh. St. John's Bedminster with St. Mary at Red- 
cliff and St. Thomas, as named in the preceding page. 
St. Mary-le-port is in the gift of the Duke of Chandos. 
Some account of each of those follow alphabetically : 

ALL SAINTS' CHURCH, 

Corn Street, is a very ancient, neat gothic structure, 
with a modern tower, built in 1716, in which are eight 
musical bells, On the tower is a handsome octangu- 
lar lanthorn or dome of stone, supported by eight 
arches and coupled Corinthian columns at each angle, 
and crowned with a gilded ball and cross. The church 
has three aisles ; the middle aisle is 70 feet long and 
49 high ; the side aisles are shorter, but each of equal 
length, 30 feet high, and the whole 60 feet wide. 
The internal part is beautiful and elegant : the altar- 
piece is rich, and has a painting of the Salutation of 
the Virgin Mary. The organ is gilded, and supported 

S 



1.30 
by fluted pillars with Corinthian capitals. There 
are several monuments ; the principal of which are to 
the memory of 

" Thomas Colston, Esq. Mayor and Alderman of 
this City, died 16th November, 1567. 

"Death is no death, now Thomas Colston lives, 
Who fourscore years haih lived to his praise ; 
A joyful life now Christ to hira doth give, 
Who wrong'd no wight, each man commends his ways. 
Death him commands to bid this world adieu, 
Thrice happy those who die to live anew." 

There is also a noble and lofty monument of marble, 
to the memory of Edward Colston, Esq. who was a 
native of this city, and a great and eminent benefactor 
to it. His statue is in a recumbent posture, and ex- 
quisitely done by Rysbrack : over it is an inscription 
of his many public benefactions. 

Sir John Duddlestone, bart. lies here, who was an 
eminent tobacco merchant ; and when prince George 
of Denmark came to see the city, was the first person 
who invited him to his house, in consequence of 
which, the prince first got him knighted, and then a 
baronet's patent. 

ST. AUGUSTINE'S CHURCH, 

At the entrance of College-green, was mentioned in 
deeds so early as the year 1240 : but in 1480, it was 
so decayed as to require to be rebuilt; since that it 
has been enlarged, and galleries built in it, to accom- 
modate the inhabitants of this increasing parish. 
This church is in the gothic style, consists of three 
aisles, the principal of which is 102 feet in length, and 
the breadth of the whole 42 feet. It is a spacious, 
handsome church, and has a fine gilded organ in a 
mahogany case, a beautiful altar-piece, the pulpit in 
the middle aisle, and some monuments. The tower 
is about 50 feet high, the lowest in Bristol, and con- 
tains a tenor and a, small bell. 



131 
BEDM1NSTER CHURCH, 

Dedicated to St. John Baptist, is very ancient ; oft 
the north-west abutment of the tower is a stone with 
a date 1003 upon it, so that it must have been built 
in the reign of king Ethelred. It is a vicarage, and is 
mother church to RedclifT and St. Thomas, in Bristol, 
and Abbot's Leigh ; the parish is of large extent, and 
gives name to a hundred. This church (situated in a 
southern large populous suburb of Bristol) has two 
aisles, the longest about 90 feet ; a gallery, several 
monuments, and a handsome altar-piece. The tower 
is large, low, has stone railing, and four pinnacles, 
and arising between them on the top, which supports 
a vane ; it has two bells, on the largest of which the 
hour is struck. This church has the appearance of 
great antiquity, and stands in a very pleasant and 
rural church-yard. 

CHRIST CHURCH 

Stands in the centre of the city. In taking down part 
of the spire of the old church to rebuild it, in 1765. a 
date of lead was found, let into the stone near the top, 
1003 or 1004 : this was a handsome gothic structure, 
and was taken down to widen Wine street, 1786, 
The present church was begun in the same year, and 
finished and opened about 1790. The body of the 
church having houses before it, is not visible in the 
streets, the tower only is apparent, all of freestone, 
(under which is the entrance to the church) and orna- 
mented on the stage above the church, with sixteen 
Ionic pilasters that support four pediments ; the stage 
above this (that contains a peal of ten fine bells) has 
on each side four Corinthian pillars, and at each cor- 
ner of the tower is a large handsome vase. On the 
tower is an octangular, perpendicular base of about 
fifteen feet high, which supports an octangular obelisk 
of 70 feet, on which is elevated a gilded dragon ; the 
whole is 160 feet high, and is one of the handsomest 
steeples in Bristol. The church is in the modern 
taste, the roof beautifully arched and stucco'd, and 
supported by columns with fine capitals ; has three 



132 

aisles, elegant altar-piece, with a painting on the 
window of Moses, with the Tables of the Command- 
ments, and Saint John, which is well executed ; an 
organ with gilded pipes, and the church fitted up with 
gas burners. 

To this parish has been united by act of parliament, 
the parish of St. Ewen ; and the church and tower 
demolished, and the space occupied in making addi- 
tional offices to the old Council house. This church 
was very ancient, mentioned in deeds so early as 
1140; was the smallest in Bristol, and had only one 
aisle, 66 feet long. The tower was square, 60 feet 
high, had battlements on the top, and two bells. 
The cost of a breakfast on Corpus Christi day, 1160, 
is thus entered on the church book : 

Item, for a calves head and hinge - - 3d. 

Item, for two rounds of beef - - - - 6d. 

Item, for bread and ale 8d. 

Item, for Master Parson, for his dinner 4d. 

Item, for the Clerk 2d. 

Item, for bearing the Cross - - - - 2d. 

CLIFTON CHURCH. 

The old chnrch, which stood on the summit of 
Clifton hill, (about a quarter if a mile from the boun- 
dary of the city, at Jacob's well) being much too 
small for this increasing and beautiful parish, which 
contains some part of the liberty of Bristol, was taken 
down, and a new church built near to its scite, at a 
further distance from the road. It being finished, 
was consecrated by the Bishop of Bristol, on Mon- 
day the 12th of August, 1822. This church is exe- 
cuted in a beautiful style of modern gothic, and is 
126f feet in length, and 81 feet in breadth, on the 
outer walls. It has a neat tower with equal pinnacles 
on the four corners of its top, and each has a vane ; 
there are three entrances, one under the tower and 
one on each side ; on the walls of these entrances are 
fixed the monuments preserved from the old church. 
The latter named entrances contain each a geometrical 



133 
staircase which lead to the galleries, these are on 
three sides, and the upper parts contain 600 free sit- 
tings. The galleries and roof are supported by eight 
freestoue pillars, and four of cast-iron support the 
gallery on the west, which contains a Organ enclosed 
in a beautiful mahogany gothic case, enriched with 
carved work. The tone is rich and powerful, and 
considered by the best judges, to be one of the first in 
quality in England : it was built by Mr. Smith, organ 
builder of Bristol. * The altar is in a recess, fronted 
by an arch of superior workmanship ; in the centre 
is a beautiful gothic wiudow of painted glass, and on 
each side in gothic-shaped frames are the ten com- 
mandments. The whole of the floor is laid out with 
pews, and also the front parts of the galleries. An 
highly-finished pulpit of mahogany stands near the 
altar. There are also some neat modern monuments 
in this church, and we pronounce the whole to be 
highly finished, having a grand and pleasing effect. 
There is a cemetery under the whole church, contain- 
ing 176 vaults, which were regularly built with the 
foundation. Round the church is a considerable ex- 
tent of burial ground in addition to the original. 

In the front of the church near the road is the fol- 
lowing inscription on a stone, excepting the verses, 
which part is now removed : 

a Sacred to the memory of George Lewis, fourth Son of Morgan Lewis, 
of St. Pierre, in the County of Monmouth, esq. who was unfortunately 
drowned in crossing the Severn in a small boat, on Sunday, Gth of 
November, 1774, aged 16. 

** As some young Pine of aspect tall and fair, 
That promis'd to reward the Planter's care ; 

• The Clifton Organ i« 25 feel high, 14 feet wide, and 11 feet from front to baek, 
and has three rows of Ke\s. 

The Grttat Orgau's compass extends from F. in alto, to douhlc doable C. (16 feet) 
mnd contains the following Stops : — I, Doable open Diapason to 16 feet C. — 2, Stop'd 
Diapason. — 3, Open Diapason. — 4, Open Diapason, Treble — 5, Piincipal. — 6, 12th.— 
T, 15th.— 8, Tierce.— 9, Sexquialtra.— 10, Mixture.— 11, Trumpet. 

The Choir Organ contains, 1, Stopped Diapason.— 2, Principal. — $, Flute. — 4, 
Dulciana. — 5, Sexquialtra. — 6, Bassoon. 

The Swell. — compass to tenor C. three ootaves and a half, contains, 1, DoabU 
Stop'd Diapason. — 2, Stop'd Diapason. — 3, Open Diapason. — 4, Principal. — 5, Cornet, 
(three ranks), — 6, Trumpet. — 7, Clarion. Two octaves of Brars Pedals with seperato 
Pedal pipes to 1G feet. Two Coupling morementa to unite the Swell and Choir orgaat 
to the Great oic at pleasure. 



134 

Pleas'd he beheld it answering his toil, 
Thrive, and proclaim the goodness of the soil; 

When all at once, a whirlwind blasts his care, 

Tears up his plant, and scatters it in air; 

So far'd it with the youth we here deplore, 

Overwhelm'd at once, and drown'd near the shore; 

The crazy boat, unable to sustain 

Her swelling sail is buried in the main. 

In vain for him his friends explore the deep, 

In vain, wiih nets, the treach'rous bottom sweep; 

For six long months, the sport of every wave, 

His floating body sought in vain a grave ; 

But toss'd from rock to rock, from sand to sand, 

'Till a kind Pilot towM his corpse to land. 

Nor should, for this, his friends indulge despair, 

But with this consolation wipe the tear, 

That the same GOD is present every where; 

And the straight gate that leads to endless bliss, 

Stands in the air, the earth, and great abyss. 

Nor could a youth like this forsake his way, 

Had he sat out from Lapland or Cathay." 



) 



ST. JAMES'S CPIURCH, 

In St. James's Church-yard, was anciently a priory 
founded by Robert Rufus, natural son of Henry I. 
who was made lord of Bristol in 1109, and died and 
was buried in this church 1 147. It was built and 
consecrated in 1130; made parochial, and the tower 
added 1374, by the parishioners, which is 90 feet 
high, has a modern ballustrade, and an urn at three 
of the corners, and at the south-west corner over the 
projecting stair-case, a lofty pinnacle with a weather- 
cock on it; and beneath in the belfry, an excellent 
peal of eight stout bells. The hour is struck on a bell 
elevated on the leads of the tower, in the front of which 
is a large dial. The church is neat, and has arches of 
Saxon architecture ; the length of the church near 100 
feet, breadth (36, height of the middle aisle 47 feet. 
It has 3 galleries, fine alter- piece with a good painting 
of the transfiguration, and several elegant monuments. 
The Organ at this church was rebuilt by Mr. Smith, 
and opened on Sunday, the 2d of May, 1824, It is 
fixed in a new elliptical gallery, which is also made 
commodious for the charity children. For the infor- 
mation of our readers we shall give a description of 



1.35 
this noble Organ, which must be heard to be duly 
appreciated : 

The new organ in St. James's Church, has four rows of Keys and an entire new 
Choir organ. The Great organ (compass from C.C. to E. in alto,) contains 1, and 2, 
Two open Diapasons. — 3, Stopped Diapason — 4, and 5, Two Principals. — C, Twelfth — ■ 
7 and 8, Two Fifteenths. — 9,Tieree. — 10, Sexquialtra. — 11, Trumpet. — 12, Bassoon 

The New Choir organ same compass, contains, 1, Stopped Diapason. — 2. Principal. 
—3, Flute. — 4, Fifteenth — 5, Dulciana, all throughout. 

The Swell (compass from C. below fiddle G. to C. C. C. in alto,) and contains 
/our octaves. 1, Open Diapason. — 2, Stopped Diapason. — 3, Principal.— 4, Cornet. — . 
6, Trumpet. — 6, Hautboy. — 7, Octave Cremona. 

Fourth or uppermost row of keys, a Choir organ (Compass same as the Great and 
Choir organs.) borrowed from the Great organ, with separate draw stops, has 1, Opeu 
Diapason. — 2, Stopped Diapason. — 3, Principal. — 4, Fiute. — 5, Bassoon. 

It has two octaves of Brass pedals with three Stops of separate pedal pipes,— 
1, Open Diapason. — 2, Slopped Diapason. — 3, Principal. Also six copula or connect- 
ing movements that affords the Organist an immense variety. The kejs also are so 
disposed that he faces the congregation. By the use of the Copulas and Pedals, such 
power is obtained that quite astonishes the hearer, and has been the wonder of all who 
have heard it. 

So strict observers of the Sabbath were the people 
of this parish, that in 1679, at a vestry held, four 
persons were judged guilty of a most heinous crime, 
and where cited into the spiritual court for purloining 
the Lord's day in travelling to Bath on foot, to the 
great dishonour of Almighty God and true religion ; 
for which they confessed their sins in the said court, 
and paid 20s. for the use of the parish. That part of 
the church-yard of St. James's appropriated for 
burying, is inclosed with a dwarf wall and iron pali- 
sades, which adds much to the neatness and decency 
of the place, being thus separated from that part 
vised only for the fair. 

ST. JOHN BAPTIST CHURCH. 

The church is handsome, 90 feet long and 24 broad, 
being one entire space without aisles, has a gallery 
and a cemetery underneath the Church. The tower 
Stands upon the northern gate of the old city, has a 
dial to the north, and another to the south, and six 
bells, on the tenor of which is struck the hour ; and 
upon the tower is a neat spire of stone, about 1 10 feet 
high. 

Near the tomb of Walter Frampton the Founder, 
are the effigies of a man and woman in brass let into 
etone, with six sons and six daughters, and the fol- 



13G 
lowing inscription : — "Hie jacet Thomas Rowley, 
quondam mercator et vicecomes hujus villoe Bristollia: 
qui quidem Thomas obiit. 23d Jan. A.D. 1478, et 
Margaret uxor quae obiit. A.D. 1470. Quorum anima- 
bus propitietur Deus, Amen." Out of the mouth of 
the man comes a scroll, and thereon, " Santa Maria 
ora pronobis." Out of the woman's, " Sancta Trinitas 
unus Deus miserere nobis." This monument is now 
covered, the church being floored with wood, and 
the founder's tomb removed nearer the altar, on the 
west side. In the cemetery under the church is 
a large tomb of alabaster, and on its side the figure 
of the six sons and six daughters, with their father 
and mother, without epitaph, but supposed to be for 
the above Thomas Rowley. 

The founder, Frampton, instituted two chauntries 
in St. John's. 

Thomas Chatterton somewhere observes, that Tho- 
mas Rowley was chauntry priest of St. John's. We 
mention this to shew that the name of Rowley is not 
fictitious, as some persons have very unadvisedly 
asserted ; on the contrary, it is evident a family of 
that name existed in Bristol in the fifteenth century. 
Whether the celebrated Thomas Rowley belonged 
to this family is a question which is not so easily 
solved as some have imagined. 

In the bede-roll of All Saints' Church, Walter 
Rowley and William Rowley are to be prayed for as 
benefactors to that church. 

In 1479 William Rowley of this city was buried 
m Flanders. 

ST. MARK'S CHURCH, 

in College Green, was formerly called the Gaunt's 
Church, and was collegiate. It was founded and built 
by the Gaunts and Gourneys, about 1230, whose 
tombs and monuments are yet to be seen in the aisle, 
The breadth of the church next to the Green is 39 feet, 
the length of the body of the church 123 feet ; the 
breadth, exclusive of the aisle (which is not used for 
worship) 24 feet, the height 37. The tower is 91 feet 



137 

high, has four pinnacles, and a peal of six bells. 
There are several good monuments both in the aisle 
and the body of the church. The organ has a gilded 
front ; the altar, which was of oak, being removed 
when the church was under repairs in 1818, the re- 
mains of a beautiful carved altar piece of stone was 
discovered, and being repaired, it is now represented 
as in its primitive state. This church is a curacy, the 
property and under the patronage of the Corporation, 
who attend divine service in it, and therefore it is 
commonly called the Mayor's chapel. In the front 
are a large gothic window, and freestone portico with 
five arches. 

ST. MARY-LE-PORT CHURCH, 

Commonly called Maryport, was founded by William 
Earl of Glocester, about 1170. It stands on a rising 
ground above the Avon, from which there was a 
gradual descent to the river, where, very anciently, 
vessels used to discharge their cagoes, whence came 
the title of Mary of the Port. This is a neat church, 
has two aisles, the southern is 107 feet long, the 
northern 73, and both 37 feet in breadth ; the arches 
and pillars are neatly fluted and painted ; there is also 
a fine toned organ ; and the monuments, epitaphs 
and altar, are worthy of notice. The tower is 70 feet 
high, crowned with battlements and pinnacles : to 
the top of the cock, on the largest pinnacle over the 
projecting staircase, is about 85 feet; and in the 
upper stage are eight bells. 

ST. MICHAELs CHURCH, 

On St. Michael's hill. There was a church here so 
early as 1193, but the present was founded in July, 
1775, and opened in June 1777. The outside of (lie 
building is modern gothic, suited to the old tower, 
which is preserved, and about 90 feet high, has four 
pinnacles, and a peal of six bells. This church has 
three aisles, supported by handsome pillars of free- 
stone, is 62 feet broad and 77 feet long, exclusive of 

T 



138 
the tower to the west, and the chancel to the east ; 
has a spacious gallery, neat altar-piece, brass branches 
and many handsome monuments. In the gallery is an 
elegant organ, which has had the following additions 
made to it by Mr. Smith, namely a beautiful gothic 
case with gilded pipes, it measures 17 feet in wedth, 
and 25 high, and contains those grand steps, the 
double, open, and stop'd diapason; the largest pipe 
is one foot five inches in diameter, and has a most 
grand effect ; it has likewise a copula movement, to 
unite the choir organ to the great organ at pleasure, 
and one octave and half of pedals for the feet. This 
Organ is admired by the best judges for its elegance 
and richness of tone. There is a Cemetery under the 
whole church. 

ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH, 

Standing on the boundary of the old city, near to 
Bristol bridge, is of very ancient date, being founded 
by Earl Britrycke in the year 1030. The present 
structure (which is said to be the third on the same 
foundation) was finished in 1768, built of freestone 
in the modern Gothic. This is a stately building of 
100 feet long, and 55 broad, being one lofty room 
without a pillar, and has a series of seven large win- 
dows on each side: the ceiling richly ornamented 
with stucco, and the pulpit in the middle near the 
chancel ; the altar-piece very elegantly carved and 
gilt; the gallery, at the western end, the branches, 
and other furniture are very elegant ; the pews which 
are constructed upon a slope on each side to the cen- 
tre, are neatly finished, and the whole has a light and 
grand appearance. 

The Organ. — The interior of this Instrument was 
rebuilt by Mr. Smith, in 1821, and the Case (which is 
of oak and was made in the reign of Queen Anne, 
having her initials in carved- work in the cornice) had 
a new handsome gilt front put in, and the following: 
improvements : 

The Compass now extends from F. in alto to F.F.F. on all three rows of keys, it 
Las two octaves of pedals, oa which the Open Diapason is continued down to C.C.C* 
ivslven feet. 



139 

The Great Organ contains, 1, Open Diapason.- 2, Stopped Diapason. — 3, Princi- 
pal.— 4, Twelfth.— 5, Fifteenth.— 6, Sexquialtra. — 7, Trnmpet. 

The Choir Organ contains, 1, Stopped Diapason. —2, Dulciana, — 3, Principal, 
—4, Flute.— 5, Twelfth.— 6, Fifteenth. 

The Swell coutains, 1, Open Diapason. — 2, Stoped Diapason.-~3, Principal. — 4. 
Trumpet.- — 5, Hautboy — 6, An Octave Cremona. The compass of the Swell is from F. in 
alto to fiddle G. but continued down to F.F.F. by a bass borrowed from the choir organ, 
which is found of great utility. There are two coupling movements which unite the 
three organs together, or at pleasure, by which means the organist (Mr. E. Hodges,) 
produces an excellent immitalton of a Bugle Horn Stop ; indeed the variety which this 
instrument affords the performer is highly gratifying, and iis tone and power very full 
and grand. The Choir organ is of a very peculiar quality, combining a dulcet sweetness 
and variety. 

On the tower is a beautiful spire, and the whole 
from the ground to the cock is 205 feet. The bells 
are a large, sonorous, musical peal of ten, the tenor 
of which, weighing 36 cwt. sounds the hour. 

Underneath the church is the Crypt, in which there 
are several monuments and tombs, the principal is 
that to the memory of John Whitson, Esq. which 
latterly stood in the portch under the tower, but now 
in its original situation : and anew monument is uow 
erected on the scite of the okl one, under the tower, 
by the Treasurer of the charity, Alderman T. Daniel, 
Esq. which monument is beautifully carved in stone, 
and has Mosaic pavement of black and white marble 
in front, inclosed with curious cast-iron railings ; this 
monunent will also have a statue similar to the old one. 
Inscription on the old monument : 

In Memory of that great Benefactor to ys City, John Whitson, Mercht. 
twice Mayor, Alderman, and four times Member in Parliament for ys 
City, who died in the 72d year of his age, a. d. 1629. A worthy pattern 
to all that come after him, Out of his several Estates he bequeathed (viz.) 
To 52 Child-bed Woman - - £52 per ann, 
To the Red Maids Hospital - - 120 ditto 
To the RedclifT Free Grammar School 8 10 6 ditto 
To the Merchants' Almshouse - 26 ditto 
To poor Scholars at Oxford - - 20 
To poor Housekeepers - - - - 52 

To poor Widows ------ 26 

To St, Nicholas Parish - - - - 3 

.£500 to the use of Merchants and poor Tradesmen Interest free. 

The following inscription appears in brass on the 
east-wall of the south aisle of the crypt, and receives 
light through an aperture of the wall that closes the 
old south door : 

** This crypt is traditionally an ancient Cemetery of the original Church of Safari 
Nicholas, which was founded in the rei-n of Canute the Great, about the jrear of Our 



140 

Lord 1030. It appear* to have been repaired and beautified during the reigo of Edward' 
III, in the year 1361; a head of his Queen, Philippe, being still perfect in the key- 
stone of the first groin in the south aisle. It was afterwards used by the fraternity of 
the Holy Ghost as a Chapel, in the year 1503, and was re!ic;eously preserved, when the 
ancient anarch was taki n down and rebuilt, in the year 17CS. So long a period of time 
having injured some of the arches, the foundations were carefully examined and 
repaired, ar.d the whole building was restored to its original strength and beauty, in 
the year of Our Lord 1823. under the immediate superiutendance of Mr. JACOB 
William Attyvood, one of the Church-Wardens ; to record whose indefatigable zeal 
in the prosecution of so laudable a work, the Rev. John Eden, B.D. Vicar, and the other 
Members of the Vestry, have caused this Tablet to be erected." 

During the Service at all Burials in this Crypt, it 
is well lighted with mould candles, which adds much 
to the solemnity of the scene. 

ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, 

Portland square. The parish of St. James's being 
very large, and the buildings rapidly increasing, the 
parochial church had been long insufficient to con- 
tain the inhabitants ; and an act of parliament was 
procured to divide the parish, and to erect a new parish 
church, dedicated to St. Paul. This was founded, 
April, 1789, opened on St. Paul's day, 1794; and is 
an elegant structure of stone, in the Gothic style. 
From the door under the tower to the altar, its length 
is 110 feet, breadth 60. The roof is supported by 
lofty pillars of stone, with fancied capitals, and is 
beautifully arched and stucco'd over the middle aisle. 
It has spacious galleries on three sides, their front 
nearly semi-circular, on the centre of which stands an 
excellent organ, the interior of which has recently 
been rebuilt by Mr. Smith, and the scale of the whole 
adapted to the present improved mode of building. 
The Oratories have heretofore been held in this 
church, and the organ universally met the disappro- 
bation of the performers, but it is now fully adequate 
to the purpose : the effect of the pedals and pedal 
pipes with its grandeur of tone has met the unquali- 
fied approbation of the most competent judges. It 
has a neat Gothic case with gilt front pipes : 

Description, — There are two rows of kejs, the Compass of the Great organ is from 
F. in alto to G.G. and contains 1, Open Diapason. — 2, Stopped Diapason — 3, Dulciana. 
— 4, Principal — 5, Twelfth. — G, Fifteenth. — 7, Sexquialtra. — 8, Cornet. — 9, Trumpet. 

The Swell, compass to Fiddle G. with a Bass of Stop Diapason and Dulciana 
•ontioued on llio Swell keys throughout, which has a most pleasinag effect, and gtre* ten 



HI 

organist great command and variety, the Opeu Diapnon is carried down to CC.C on the 
pedals, of which there are two octaves (of brass), It has two Copula movements, one 
to unite the Swell and Great organs, and the other i6 an Octare movement, which 
greatly increases the power of the organ without any additional pipes. 

The pulpit is placed under the arch at the enterance 
of the chancel. The tower is lofty, has three stages 
and small pinnacles at the corners ; on it stands a 
square of less dimensions, with pinnacles, which 
contains a bell that announces the hour ; on this is 
another diminished square with pinnacles which sup- 
port a large octangular pinnacle, crowned with a 
gilded vane. The whole somewhat resembles the 
steeple of the royal exchange London; and (accord- 
ing to the information of Mr. Hague, the architect,) 
is 169 feet high. Ten bells were intended for it by 
the parish ; of which the treble, the sixth, and a good 
deep tenor are put up. The chandeliers are very 
elegant. 

ST. PETER and PAULs CHURCH, 

In Peter-street, a very ancient structure, founded be- 
fore the Norman conquest, and mentioned in a deed 
so early as 1130 ; has been often repaired, particu- 
larly hi 1749, at a great expence : and at a much 
greater in 1795, when several of the pillars and arches 
were taken down and rebuilt, the ceiling of the mid- 
dle aisle neatly stocco'd, a new pulpit erected, and 
the church newly painted, gilded, and ornamented. 
It is now, internally, a spacious and beautiful church 
of three aisles, the middle 111 feet long and the two 
others 96 each. The roof, 36 feet high is supported 
by pillars and Gothic arches, and the breadth is 54 
feet. It has a noble gilded organ, in a mahogany 
case, and some superb and ancient monuments ; one 
is within a gothic arch, adorned with a deal of curi- 
ous workmanship, and various arms without any in- 
scription : on a tomb is a figure of a lady finely carved, 
who was of the family of the Newtons of Barrs-court. 
The tower is built square, very large, or rather clum- 
sy, about 80 feet high, of rough undressed stones, 
with battlements and pinnacles of freestone ; has a 
spindle on the middle of the leads, which supports a 



142 
gilded cock. A good peal of eight bells, and a clock 
and dial, The tenor sounds the hour. 

In this church-yard was interred Richard Savage, 
son of the earl of Rivers, a great genius, and a good 
poet, but a very imprudent, and therefore an unhappy- 
man. The calamities which he is said to have suf- 
fered, and the cruelty of his mother, the countess of 
Macclesfield, were not so inimical to him, nor could 
they injure him so much as his own superfluous in- 
dulgences, and egregious indiscretions. Being ar- 
rested in Bristol, and confined for a debt, he wreaked 
his vengence on the town, in a poem entitled, " Lon- 
don and Bristol delineated." He died in Newgate, 
and was buried at the expense of the gaoler. 

ST. PHILIP and JACOBS CHURCH, 

In its church-yard near the Old-market, is very anci- 
ent, being mentioned in Gaunt' s deeds, as parochial, 
before 1200. It seems to have been built at different 
times ; but the present church is large, consisting of 
a body, side aisles and chancel, the whole 126 feet in 
length, and about 60 in breadth. It has galleries and 
several handsome monuments : at the upper end of 
the northern aisle is a human figure of stone, in a sup- 
plicating posture, with a crown about his head, pro- 
bably of Kemys, who built that aisle, which is still 
called Kemys Aisle. Mr. Barrett supposed that this 
was the bust of duke Robert, eldest son of William 
the Conqueror, removed from the church of the castle 
to this. It appears from the Saxon Chronicle, that 
Robert was, in 1126, brought to Bristol and confined 
in the castle, before he was sent to Cardiff castle ;but 
this does not prove any thing about the bust. It is 
most likely that it was made before his confinement. 
This church is oruamented with battlements and a 
handsome portico of stone, a good western front, and 
a square tower with three small pinnacles, and a larger 
over the staircase, to the cock, of which the height is 
about 95 feet. In the tower is a good sound peal of 
eight bells, a clock, and dial in the front, the hour is 
struck on a bell elevated on the leads, on account of 



143 

the great extent of the in and out parish, which is the 
largest in Bristol, and greater than several English 
cities. 

ST. GEORGES NEW CHURCH. 

In 1751 an act was passed for dividing St. Philip's 
parish, and for building a new church in Kingswood, 
which was began 1752, completed and dedicated St. 
George. This is a handsome building of stone, in a 
modern style, with three aisles and a lofty square 
tower, and is one mile and a half from West-street 
turnpike, Bristol, in the upper Bath road. The living 
is in the gift of the corporation. The colliers of the 
forest were, GO or 70 years ago, so barbarous and 
savage, that they were a terror to the city of Bristol, 
which they several times invaded : it was dangerous 
to go among them, and their dialect was the roughest 
and rudest in the nation ; but by the labours of 
Messrs. Whitfield and Wesley, by the erection of a 
parish church, and some meeting-houses, and the 
establishment of several Sunday and daily schools, 
they are much civilized, and improved in principles, 
morals, and pronounciation. 

St. STEPHEN'S CHURCH. 

Clare-street, was mentioned in deeds in 1304. The 
tower was erected about 1470, by John Shipward, a 
merchant and mayor of Bristol, is square, 140 feet 
high, has 177 stone steps up to the top, a sonorous 
peal of eight bells, a clock and dial. This lofty tower 
is finely proportioned, and ornamented ; finished with 
four pinnacles and battlements of hollow work, so 
light and elegant, that spectators are always struck 
with its beauty, and connoisseurs approve it, as one of 
the most elaborate specimens of the florid Gothic in 
England. The pinnacle over the staircase is circular, 
and contains a bell that announces the hour. The 
middle aisle of the church is 88 feet long, and above 
50 high ; the southern aisle 88 feet long, and the nor- 
then only 00 feet ; the height of the side aisles 25 feet, 
and the breadth of the whole 56 feet. The pillars 



144 

which are neatly fluted and gilt, support gothic arches 
between the aisles and the body of the church, and a 
series of windows over them on each stde ; the roof, 
which is of wood, is neatly carved and painted. The 
pulpit is richly carved and decorated with cherubs 
heads, and the altar adorned with eight fluted Corin- 
thian pillars, all which, with the pews and internal 
doors are of tine mahogany. Over the communion 
table is a painting of a dove, for the Holy Ghost ; and 
above that is a fine large painting, representing angels 
lifting up a veil, and discovering the glory of Heaven; 
done by the late Ross of Bath. The monuments are 
worthy of attention ; the principal is that of Sir 
George Snigge, knt. of this city, Serjeant at law, and 
one of the barons of the exchequer. His full-length 
figure, lying in his robes, beneath an elegantly carved 
and gilt monument, with an inscription in Latin. 

TEMPLE, or HOLY CROSS CHURCH; 

Thus nominated from the knights Templars, who 
wore a white habit with a red cross upon the left- 
shoulder, and by whom it was founded in the reign 
of king Stephen, about the year 1145. This church 
seems to have been built at different times, is spaci- 
ous and lofty and after Redcliff church, the largest in 
Bristol. There is an elegant gilded organ on a gal- 
lery over the western door,* and the long aisles, large 
windows and arches, lofty ceiling, slender pillars, 
and light open area, have a pleasing effect on spec- 
tators. The altar is rich, and adorned with four fine 
paintings of Moses and his Rod, Aaron and his robes, 
and Peter and Paul as large as life, in carved and 
gilt frames. There is a beautiful stained glass window 
over the middle aisle, or entrance to the Chancel, 
representing the ascension of Christ. There are se- 
veral ancient brasses, inscriptions, and modern monu- 
ments in this church, which brevity obliges us to omit. 
It has three aisles, and is from east to west 159 feet, 
and 59 wide, the middle aisle is 50 feet high. It is 
elegantly lighted with gas burners. 

But one of the greatest curiosities of Bristol, is the 



145 

leaning Tower of Temple, the foundation of which 
has so sunk, that it is widely separated from the wall 
of the church, and so impends at the south-west 
corner, as to appear ready to tumble down. It is a 
venerable monument of antiquity : and though so lofty 
as 114 feet, (ending in a plain cornice, without rail, 
battlement or pinnacle) contains a good peal of eight 
bells, which are commonly rung, and on which the 
quarters and hour are struck, and chimes played at 
one, five, and nine : it is said, that when these are 
rung in full peal, if a basin full of water be put on the 
leads of the tower, it will soon be emptied by the vi- 
bration of this apparently precarious yet permanent 
structure. The best place in which to view this 
tower is about the middle of Church lane, by the 
church-yarc 1 wall. 

ST. THOMAS CHURCH, 

St. Thomas-street, was mentioned in deeds so early 
as 1200, and was, next to Redcliff, the most elegant 
Gothic church in the city, and equalled by very few. 
It has, on account of its great age, been taken down, 
and rebuilt in a modern and beautiful style, by Mr. 
Allen, an ingenious, scientific and principal architect 
of Bristol ; and finished and opened on St. Thomas 
day, 1793. Its present length is 120 feet, and breadth 
58. The roof of the middle aisle is lofty, and has a 
series of windows on each side, above the side aisles. 
The organ, its gallery, the alter-piece, and other 
decorations of this church are superb and elegant, 
and the monuments various and handsome. The 
ancient tower being judged strong enough, is left ; it 
is large, square, built of hewn stone, has railing on 
the top, a gilded cock highly elevated in the middle, 
and contains a deep grand old peal of eight bells, on 
the tenor of which is struck the hour. 

ST. WERBURGH's CHURCH, 

Corn-street. To this Saint are also dedicated the 
cathedral of Chester, and a parish church in Dublin. 
St. Werburga was the daughter of Wulpherus, king 



140 

of the Mercians, who, after living immaculate with 
her husband, Ceolredus, for three years, took the veil. 
History relates that the abbey out of which the See 
of Chester was formed, had been originally a Nunne- 
ry, founded about the year 660, by the above king, 
in favour of his daughter's indisposition to a marriage 
life. The original church here w r as founded about 
1190, and the present tower built 1385; the church 
being very old and much decayed, was partly taken 
down, rebuilt in the Gothic style, and opened 1761. 
It has a very good freestone front, with large Gothic 
windows, suitable to the tower, which was preserved, 
and only the top of it altered and repaired. The 
present structure has three aisles, each 72 feet long, 
their breadth in the clear is 58 feet ; the height of the 
middle aisle, which is arched, is 26 feet, and of the 
two others 22 feet ; the roofs are supported by fluted 
Gothic pillars and arches. The altar piece and church 
are beautifully painted, ornamented and guilt; there 
are several monuments, among which is that of Ni- 
cholas Throne, an eminent merchant of Bristol, who 
founded the City Grammar School, and died 1546. 
In the east corner of the church is a neat monument 
"To the memory of the Rev. John Thresher San- 
gar, M.A. late Fellow of Oriel College, Oxford, and 
Curate of this Parish, born 29th September, 1781, 
died 4th July, 1818." 

The tower* a neat Gothic building about 100 feet 
high consists of four stages, well ornamented, crown- 
ed with a battlement of hollow work, and three solid 
pinnacles ; but over the stair-case, which projects 
circularly at one corner, and contains 160 steps, there 
is a large pinnacle of hollow work about 18 feet high 
to the vane. The third stage contains a peal of six 
bells. 

Bristol is remarked for good churches and organs, 
and like York and Oxford, for a handsome shew of 
steeples, inmost of which are excellent bells. There 
are three peals of 10 ; eight peals of 8 ; and four peals 
of 6 ; amounting to 118 bells rung in peal; besides 
several for clocks and other uses. 



147 
The Chapels of the establishment are five, including 
the latter three which are connected to their respec- 
tive alms-houses. 

DOWRY-SQUARE CHAPEL, 

For the use of the nobility and gentry resorting to, 
and residing at the Hotwells, was built and is sup- 
ported by their voluntary subscriptions. This is a 
plain building, has within it columns of freestone, 
which support the roof; a pulpit, a communion, 
benches for the audience, and at the southern side are 
two galleries one above the other. A small burial 
ground adjoins the back of the chapel. There are 
several monuments, on one of which is the following 
inscription: 

" Near this place are deposited the remains of Sarah 
Stonehouse, the second Wife of James Stonehouse, 
m.d. more than twenty years Physician to the North- 
hampton Infirmary, and afterwards Rector of Great 
and Little Cheverel, Wiltshire. 

Come, Resignation, wipe the human tear, 

Domestic Anguish drops o'er Virtue's bier; 

Bid selfish Sorrow hush the fond complaint, 

Nor from the God she lov'd detain the Saint. 

Truth, Meekness, Patience^ honor'd shade where thine, 

And holy Hope, and Charity divine : 

Tho' these thy forfeit being could not save, 

Thy faith subdu'd the terrors of the grave. 

Oh ! if thy living excellence could teach, 

Death has a loftier emphasis of speech : 

In death, thy last, best lesson still impart, 

And write, prepare to die, on every heart. 

Hannah More, 

She died December 10, 1788, aged 55 years. 

BE SERIOUS." 

Adjoining the above is a monument, 

" To the Memory of Sir James Stonehouse, Bart. 

M. D. He died December 8th, 1795, in the 80th year 

of his age." Husband to the above. 

We here introduce the following on seriousness ; 

Sir Francis WalsinigJiam, secretary of state to queen Elizabeth, when 
some of his visitors, who were gay and frolicsome, observed to him that, 



148 

u he was serious," he replied, " Life is serious, death is serious, time is 
serious, eternity is serious, heaveu and hell are serious — how then should 
I be gay ?" 

Archias, Lacedemonian, while at a banquet, received a letter, to inform 
him of a design to assassinate him, which the mesenger entreated him to 
read immediately, as it was on serious business : he replied, " Pros aurion 
spoudaia," serious things to-morrow ; but he never lived to see to-morrow, 
for that night he was slain, 

Serious consideration of the duties, circumstances, and uncertainty of 
liuman life, is the indispensible mental exercise of every rational creature ; 
but there is a time for all things, a time to weep, and a time to laugh. A 
good man is cheerful at proper times, as well as serious, and rejoices as 
well as mourns; and none has such valid reason to be joyful and happy 
as the man who lives a righteous life. Therefore this injunction should 
be understood with some restrictions. For if religion be represented as 
consisting entirely of seriousness, artful designing persons may feign it, to 
acquire the character of sanctity (as many have done) and to carry on 
successfully their interested purposes. There may be serious hypocrites, 
serious cheats and thieves, nay, serious persecutors and murderers. Let 
not seriousness be esteemed the sole criterion of a religious character. 
Men must be known by the general and habitual tenor of their lives; by 
their actions, conversation, and example, public and domestic. The man 
who is reverential, pious, aud grateful to the Divine Being, and evinces 
that the leading endeavours of his life, are to become good, and to do good, 
HE ONLY is in the right way, and all others are wrong, whatever may 
be their faith, pretensions, or expectations. All who deceive themselves 
with any thing short of doing their duty, may, at the close of life, be ready 
to exclaim with Grotius, " Vitam perdidi operose nihil agendo," I have 
lost my life in laboriously doing nothing: or with the late Mr. Henderson^ 
student at Oxford, " I grieve for time mispent, and talents misapplied,'* 

ST. AUGUSTlNEs CHAPEL, 

Situated on the north-west side of Great George-street, 
Park-street. This is a Chapel of Ease to St. Augus- 
tine's church ; begun in September, 1821, and finished 
in August, 1823. It is 81 feet in length and 56 in 
breadth, the heigth 29 feet ; it has Galleries on three 
sides, and a double stair-case at the west, and a stair- 
case on each side of the east ; the Pews, Altar, Pul- 
pit and ornaments are neat and elegant ; this chapel 
is calculated to hold 1400 persons, two thirds of 
which are free seats. The front to the east has a 
truly noble appearance, having a doric portico of four 
columns 26 feet high, and 37 feet 6 inches wide, sup- 
porting a pediment, and approached by 48 steps, the 
width of which is 35 feet \ it has a circular tower 12 



149 
feet diameter, 83 feet high from the floor of the por- 
tico, and finished by a Dome supported by 8 Antae. 

This chapel was built by his Majesty's Commis- 
sioners and cost £9000,-11 .Smirke, esq. Architect. 

FOSTER'S CHAPEL, 

Dedicated to the three kings of Cologn, was founded 
by John Foster, in 1504, who had heen mayor in 
1481, and is situated in Steep-street, St. Michael's, 
the rector of which parish is paid by the chamberlain 
of Bristol, for reading prayers, and a monthly sermon 
to be preached in this chapel. 

COLSTONs CHAPEL, 

St. Michael's hill. Here are prayers read by a cler- 
gyman every morning and afternoon, except when 
there is service at St. Michael's. 

TRINITY CHAPEL, 

Lawford's-place. This and the hospital were found- 
ed by John Barnstaple, merchant and magistrate of 
Bristol, in 1416. The vicar of St. Philip's hath £8 
per annum to read prayers here every Tuesday and 
Thursday for ever, and for a sermon and sacrament 
on Holy Thursday. This chapel was taken down to 
widen Lawford's-place, between west-street and the 
Old Market ; and is now neatly rebuilt in the Gothic 
style, with a small turret containing a clock, bell, 
and dial to the street. A sermon every Friday even- 
ing gratuitously by the Rev. W. Day. 



There are also places of worship for all the deno- 
minations in England that are popular, whose adher- 
ents live in harmony, who meet, mix, and transact 
business, without malevolence or reflection; and fre- 
quently lend an ear to each other's preachers. We 
shall describe them alphabetically. 

BAPTISTS. 

In Old King-street, St. James's, on the eastern side, 
nearly opposite the Ebenezer, is an elegant modern 



150 
built chapel, with a portico, supported by pillars, 
and a freestone front, is 76 feet in length and 56 in 
breadth, has galleries on three sides, and is pewed 
above and below. The entrance to the galleries are 
on each side of the front, by a circular staircase, and 
on the outside has the appearance of wings to the 
building. In front is a large pavement, inclosed with 
a dwarf wall and iron pallisades. 

Broadmead Meeting or Chapel, is a handsome mo- 
dern edifice ; having three aisles and six large pil- 
lars of stone, supporting galleries on three sides and 
the roof. The entrance only is vissible in the street. 

Counterslip Meeting, near Bath street, is a fine cha-> 
pel, which was opened on the 22d of March, 1810. 
The floor is on an inclined plane, which affords all 
the congregation a view of the preacher. It has three 
galleries, with several light windows ; the whole in- 
ternal part is neat and elegant. It has two vestries, 
one of which communicates with the pulpit. 

Welch Baptist chapel, is a small building, situate in 
Black Friars, Merchant street. 

FRENCH PROTESTANTS. 

Orchard street Chapel is a small neat building, in 
which divine service is performed every Sunday in 
French. 

FRIENDS, 

Meeting house, Rosemary street. This is a square, spa- 
cious, and truly elegant house ; the roof and galleries 
on three sides, are supported by large pillars of free- 
stone ; those at the corners are tripled ; the gallery 
For the speakers is very handsomely wainscotted. 

They have also another Meeting-house, over the 
bridge, in Temple street; this is modern, square, and 
neat, with galleries on three sides. 

LADY HUNTINGDON'S CHAPEL, 

St. Augustine s place, has one large gallery, sup- 
ported by small pillars of wood. The service of the 
Church of England is performed hereby preachers in 



151 

the connexion. The pulpit and reading desks are 
supported by large white eagles, and, standing in a 
triangular form, have a pleasing appearance. 

INDEPENDENTS. 

Bridge street chapel has a freestone front in the 
Gothic style ; within are four lofty columns of stone, 
which support galleries on three sides and the roof; 
it has one entrance from St. Maryport churchyard, 
and another in Bridge street, and is very convenient 
and handsome. 

Castle green chapel. This has been rebuilt, and is a 
handsome structure, 76 feet in length, and 53 in 
breadth ; a neat freestone front, with a flight of steps 
up to a Doric entrance, and on each side are entrances 
to the galleries, which are on three sides, and sup- 
ported by nine cast-iron pillars ; the pews under the 
galleries, are elevated above each other, those in the 
centre upon a level; it has 17 windows, and elegant 
brass chandeliers, a neat pulpit of mahogany against 
the back wall of the chapel ; and the whole has a 
light and elegant effect. Underneath the chapel is a 
room for a school, 48 feet in length and 45 in breadth. 

Hope chapel, Green street, Holwells, is a regular 
modern Gothic building, founded by the Countess of 
Glenorchy and Lady Hope, who have marble monu- 
ments in it. 

Providence Chapel, is situated in Callowhill-street. 
It has one gallery, opposite the pulpit. This is one 
of the smallest in Bristol. 

St. James's chapel, St. James s-uack. This is a small 
but neat chapel, not visible in the street, being situ- 
ated in a passage. This formerly belonged to the 
Roman Catholics. 

tieivfoundland- street chapel, is very neat, of moder- 
ate size, has galleries on three sides, and an entrance 
on each side of its front. 

Welch chapel, Lower Castle- street, is very small, 
long and narrow, but neatly fitted up. 

Aldens-court Meeting, in Broad-mead, is small but 
convenient. 



152 

NEW JERUSALEM. 

Bridewell-lane Meeting, is formed in the first floor 
of a house at the corner of Silver-street. It is con- 
venient, has a good pulpit, reading desk and seats. 

The following Five chapels belong to the Wesleyan 
METHODISTS. 

Old King-street, St. James s. This chapel is 80 
feet long and 60 broad. The lower series of win- 
dows the same dimensions as the upper, so that the 
galleries, which form an oval, are deep, and support- 
ed by pillars of cast-iron, are unusually lofty, as is 
the building ; behind the pulpit is a neat altar-piece 
and communion table, inclosed with rails. The roof 
has no prop but the walls ; and the whole has a light 
pleasing, and sublime appearance. The staircase is 
on the outside of the building, inclosed within a work 
of freestone, the centre of which forms the principal 
entrance. There is a lofty and bold pediment, which 
extends over the whole breadth of the front, in the 
centre of which, on an oval stone, is the following 
inscription : 
1795. Methodist chapel, Ebenezer, 1 Sam. vii. 12. 

St. Philip's chapel, situate in Old Market-street : 
there is also an entrance in Redcross-street. This is 
a noble building, 60 feet broad, and 80 in length; it 
has galleries on three sides, supported by iron pillars: 
the chapel is well laid out with pews, and the free 
seats are extensive : this is the largest chapel in Bris- 
tol, capable of accommodating 2300 people. It was 
opened in August, 1817. 

Portland- street chapel, Kingsdoivn, is spacious and 
handsome ; has a large gallery, and noble organ, 
painted altar piece, and convenient pews. On the 
top of the chapel is a turret and bell ; it has also a 
good burial ground. The building of this chapel was, 
principally, in consequence of the exertions of the 
late captain Webb, who had been a preacher for 
many years. 



153 

Guinea street chapel is neat, but not large : has gal- 
leries on three sides, supported by fluted pillars of 
wood ; the pulpit is over the porch on the inside i 
there are pews in the galleries and also under, and free 
seats in the centre. 

In West street, Bedminster* a short distance from the 
Turnpike, is a small but convenient chapel. 
MORAVIAN CHAPEL, 

Upper Maudlin street. A neat modern structure, of 
moderate size, with rusticated windows ; it has a gal- 
lery at the western end that contains a good organ. 

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHAPEL, 

Trenchard street, is a spacious Gothic building ; has 
an elegantly adorned altar, and a gallery at the west 
end in which is a fine toned organ; in the porch are 
many small monuments. 

SECEDERS. 

Bethesda chapel, in Great George street, Park street , 
was opened June 13th, 1819 ; this is an elegant chapel 
for the dissenters called Seceders, under the pastoral 
care of Mr. Cowan. It is in length 60 feet, and in 
breadth 54 feet, the height to the ceiling 33 feet, and 
including the dome 50 feet. It has three vestries, 
the principal of which leads to the pulpit, on the back 
wall of the chapel. There are three entrances in 
front, the ascents to which are by steps, the centre 
leading to the body of the chapel, and the other two 
to the galleries, by a geometrical staircase of stone 
on each side. The galleries are supported by seven 
cast-iron columns, running up to the roof; in the 
centre of the ceiling is an oval dome with a lantern 
or windows round the upper part ; a neat organ with 
a mahogany Gothic front and gilded pipes ; an octa- 
gon pulpit supported by a neat pillar of wood ; and 
near to it is a baptistery inclosed in the floor. The 
chapel has seven windows in front and seven on the 
back, and the glass is in imitation of ground glass, 
which gives an excellent and steady light. The floor 
is arranged with open seats, and the galleries are 
filled up with pews for families, and the whole are 



154 
free sittings. It is well lighted with gas. There is a 
large burial ground behind the chapel. 

UNITARIANS. 
Lewiris mead chapel is a large, elegant, and costly 
place of worship, ; the front is of freestone, the lower 
part rusticated, with a semicircular portico in the 
centre, supported by four Ionic columns ; and the 
superstructure is crowned with a lofty pediment. In 
the wings are two geometrical staircases to the gal- 
leries, which are three, and supported by pillars of 
cast-iron. It is pewed below and above, has four 
stoves; two vestries; and well fitted for gaslight. 

WH1TFIELD1TES. 

The Tabernacle, founded in 1753, by the late Rev. 
Mr. Whitfield, situate in Penn-street, Old orchard; is 
a large, light, regular, and convenient place of wor- 
ship ; having eight pillars of stone that support the 
galleries on three sides and the roof, which is arched 
over the middle aisle ; in the gallery is a good organ. 

WELCH CHAPEL, 

JBroadmead. — This originally belonged to the Rev. 
John Wesley ; is a spacious building, with six stout 
pillars of freestone, supporting three galleries and a 
house over the bnilding. The service is principally 
performed in the Welch language. 

THE JEWS' SYNAGOGUES. 

There are two in Bristol, situate in Temple- street, 
on the eastern side : the first is held in an ancient 
building, formerly the Weavers' Hall ; and the other 
opposite the Bell Inn. This is worthy of notice, and 
is a new building, erected A.M. 5574. It is about 
44 feet in length, and 14 in breadth ; has an elegant 
altar with two pillars, and other ornaments elegantly 
carved and gilt ; it has also a beautiful branch, in 
imitation of the golden candlestick in the Temple. 
It has a small gallery over the entrance, and in the cen- 
tre are three brass chandeliers. 

Gloria in snpremis Deo, in terra pax, inter homiries 
benevolentia. 



CHAP. XIV. 

The Public Buildings appropriated to Magistracy and 

Administration of Justice, Tribute, Trade and 

Commerce, Literature, and Amusement, 



THE GUILDHALL 

Is an ancient Gothic structure in Broad-street. Its 
front has been rebuilt. The arms of Edward I. is 
over the entrance, a statue of king Charles II. on the 
front, and the King's Arms, on the north side, all 
neatly carved in stone. On the southern side is the 
window of the hall, and on the northern the window 
of St. George's chapel, where the mayor and sheriffs 
are annually elected on the 15th of September. The 
building is 69 feet in front ; the hall is large and lofty; 
has every convenience for courts, and galleries for 
spectators at each side. Here are held the General 
Gaol Delivery, Court of Nisi Prius, Quarter Session,*, 
the Sheriffs' Court, Courts of Conscience and Re- 
quest, and Elections for Members. 

THE NEW COUNCIL HOUSE, 

Now Building in Corn street, on the scite of the old 
Council house, but set back several feet on the south- 
east and north-east sides, in order to give more room 
to the street. This is a handsome building with free- 
stone fronts, being 78 feet in front in Corn street, and 
OB feet in depth in Broad street. It is built in the 
Ionic style, with a balustrade on the top; on each 
side of the entrance are two columns, and ten antra 
round the building. On the top over the entrance is 
placed the figure of Justice, carved by Mr. Baily ; 



156 
on each side of the figure is an attic with a pannel, 
containing the King's arms on one, and City arms on 
the oilier, in Bass-relief. The whole height of the 
building is 45 feet ; and the entrance is approached 
by live steps into the hall, which is 16 feet in wedth, 
and extending the whole depth of the building, with 
a large stone staircase at the end. The ground floor 
contains the Mayor's court, and eight offices ; the 
upper floor contains the Council chamber, 38 feet by 
22, and 20 feet in height, lighted by a large circular 
upright skylight in the centre ; two committee rooms, 
and four offices. To be finished about July, 1826: 
R. Smirke, Esq. Architect. 

The old Council house was erected in 1703, and 
taken down early in 1824. The present foundation 
was began in May 1824. — See Page 69 of this work. 
— View of the Building see the Frontispiece. 

THE MANSION HOUSE, 

In Queen-square, is a neat brick fronted house, which 
forms the corner of Charlotte-street. At the back 
is a large elegant hall, or Banquetting room, with its 
front in Charlotte-street. Every Mayor resides in 
this house during the year of his office. Mayor for 
1825, Thomas Hassell, Esq. 

THE CUSTOM-HOUSE, 

At the centre of the southern side of Queen-square, 
is a very good one, a commodious, stately building 
of brick, ornamented with stone ; has a colonade of 
freestone pillars with Ionic capitals before it ; and in 
the front above, the regal arms, and a dial. The large 
room in which the principal business of this port is 
transacted is 70 feet long, and of breadth and heigth 
proportionable. The present Collector is John Gordon, 
esq. and the Comptroller John Brickdale, esq. 

THE EXCISE -OFFICE, 

Which forms the north-west coner of Queen-square, 
is a plain but good house of brick, appropriated to 
the business of the Excise ; in which all matters re- 



157 
lative to the Excise duties in the port of Bristol are 
regularly transacted, by a collector, and various other 
officers. The present Collector is John Nightingale, 
esquire. 

THE POST-OFFICE, 

Is a handsome and convenient building of freestone, 
near to the western end of the Exchange, to which it 
is a wing, projecting forward into the street ; and 
there is another building exactly similar to it at the 
eastern end. 

THE EXCHANGE, 

Corn-street, built by Mr. Wood, architect of Bath, 
cost £50,000, and was opened 1743. This is a very 
beautiful and elegant structure, 110 feet in front, and 
148 in depth ; the whole building inside and outside, 
is of freestone. The principal front is upon a bold 
rustic basement, the central part of which breaks 
forward, and makes a tetra-style of almost whole 
columns, with Corinthian capitals supporting a pedi- 
ment, in the tympan of which are the King's Arms, 
carved in stone. The space between the capitals of 
the columns and pillasters of the front, are filled with 
festoons which represent Great Britain and the four 
quarters of the world with their product and manu- 
factures. The southern front is to the general mar- 
ket, consists of a rustic arcade, which and its super- 
structure, have a central projection, that supports a 
pediment containing the Arms of the City ; on which 
is a turret with a clock and two dials, north and south, 
one for the Exchange and the other for the market. 
The place for the merchants is a peristiie of the Co- 
rinthian order, 90 feet by 80, and capable of contain- 
ing 1440 persons. It is opened every day of trading 
from eleven till half past two. In 1822 a new Chro- 
nometer was placed on the front, which has a good 
dial face. 

There are fonr Tables or Pillars of Copper arranged on the edpe of (he pavement in 
front of the Exchange, which formerly stood under the Piazza of the Tolzej. 

The one nearest to All Saints' Church appears the most ancient, and its workmanship 
tnd inscription quite obliterated, having beeo more used for resting burdens upon, of 



158 

Ute years, tban for paving and receiving of money, which appears was their first usei 
and wbeii buying ami selling was chiefly for ready money, 

On the edge below the surface of tlie next table is this record, *' Thomas Hobson of 
Bristol made me, ar.no 1 G'J.*, Nicholas Crisp of London gave me to ibis honourable 
City, in remembrance of God's mercy in Anno Domini 162.5 N. G" In the ring of the 
surface " Praise the Lord O my soule and forget not all bid benefits. He saved my life 

from destruction, and to bis mercy and loviog-kiuduese. Praize . . . ." 

the rest is worn out. 

The third has the following round tbe edge of its aurface, " This Post is the Gift 
of Master Robert Kitchiu, merchant, sometime maior ;md alderman of this City; who 
dec. I, September, 1594." On the garter beneath, " His executors were fower of bis 
Servants, John Barker, Matthew Haviland, Abell Kitchin. Aldermen of this City, and 
John Koborow, Sheriff, 1630." 

On the fourth and next to the Post ofiice, is the following inscription in tbe ring of its 
•urfacc, " A. D. 1631. This is the guift of Mr. While, of Bristoll, merchant, brother 
onto Doctor Thomas White, a famous benefactor to this citie." Six liues in verse, and 
a shield with armorial bearings, engraven on the surface of the table are now worn out. 
On the girter below the surface, " The Churche of the livinge God is the pillar and 
grouud o[ the truth. So was the work of the pillars finished." 

COMMERCIAL ROOMS. 

This building, which is nearly opposite the Ex- 
change, is formed for the conveniency of the mer- 
chants of this city in transacting business, as it affords 
an eligible situation from its nearness to the Post- 
office of immediate communication, and concentrating 
a large mercantile body of men, causes a dispatch of 
affairs of trade and commerce. 

It is built upon a plan suggested by a Mr. Busby, 
of London, The front is in Corn-street, consisting 
of an Ionic portico of four columns, inside which, in 
basso relievo, appears Britannia, Neptune, and Mi- 
nerva, presented with tributes by the four quarters 
of the Globe. 

The large room is 60 feet long, 40 feet wide, and 
about 25 in heigth. Light is communicated by means 
of a circular lantern, surmounted by a dome. The 
heigth from the floor under the dome is 46 feet. It 
is elegantly lighted with gas lamps by night. 

The reading room is 30 feet by 20. Above stairs 
are several offices and committee rooms, in which the 
most importent concerns of the city are transacted. 
The rooms are well supplied with newspapers of all 
descriptions; lists of shipping ; and all useful and 
necessary publications. The subscription is Two 
Guineas per year. Strangers can only be admitted 
through the medium of a subscriber. There is an en- 
trance to these rooms from Small-street, 



IBS! 




159 

• The figures are intended to represent the city of 
Bristol, commerce and navigation, which are fixed 
over the front of the building, gives the whole a ma- 
jestic and pleasing appearance. It was first opened 
in 1811. See annexed view. 

THE MERCHANTS' HALL, 

Prince's-street, is neatly built of freestone ; the access 
to the principal door is by a flight of steps ; on each 
side of the door, in a niche, is a vase, on both of which 
are carved the Merchants' Arms ; over the door, in a 
niche, is a bust of George III. (when young) said to 
be a good likeness. The lobby leads into a lofty 
saloon, decorated, at the upper end, with a large 
mirror in a richly gilded frame, and with two glass 
lustres, suspended from the ceiling by gilded chains. 
On the north of this saloon is the opening into the 
principal room. These may be occasionally thrown 
into one, by opening the folding glass doors fitted to 
a lofty arch embellished with carving. This room 
has four beautiful glass lustres, suspended by gilded 
chains, which, with the others, cost £550. Over the 
chimney-piece the Merchants' Arms are carved and 
blazoned. There is here a half-length painting of 
Edward Colston, esq. said to have been a strong re- 
semblance ; from this picture lhjsbrack modelled a 
likeness of his face for his statue in All Saints' church. 

THE COOPERS' HALL, 

King-street, is a very noble freestone edifice ; the 
front stands on a low, rustic basement, and is orna- 
mented with four superb columns, with Corinthian 
capitals, that support an atic story and lofty pedi- 
ment, on which are the arms of the company. The 
principal room is large and lofty, with chandeliers, 
and a music gallery. 

MERCHANT -TAILORS' HALL, 

In Tailors'-court, Broad-street, is built of freestone, 
70 feet long, and of proportionable breadth. This 
has a music gallery, and other conveniences, and is 
let out for public meetings, feasts and exhibitions. 



160 
BR1STOLIA, a poem, by Mr. Romaine Joseph 
Thorn, who once repeatedly and pleasingly officiated 
as Laureat of Bristol, having been put into the edi- 
tors hands, he begs leave to close this account of the 
buildings for trade and commerce, with the follow* 
ing quotation : 

u Majestic Bristol, to thy happy port 
Prolific Commerce makes its lov'd resort. 
Thy gallant Ships, with spacious sails unfurl'd, 
Waft to ihy shore the treasures of the World. 
With each production of the East and West 
Thy favoi'd Citizens are amply blest; 
Thy active Sons unceasingly are sway'd 
By Honor, Justice, and a thurst for trade. 
Around the Quay, in countless heaps appear 
Bales pil'd on bales, and loads of foreign ware. 
There the strong Porter constantly is seen 
With brawny arms to work the pond'rous crane. 
There, groves on groves of tow'ring masts arise 
In stately ranks, and penetrate the skies. 
There, too, resound the jolly Seaman's cry, 
As they their handspikes to the windlass ply ; 
With shouts sonorous shakes the neighbouring shore, 
While they, with cheerful souls, their lofty ships unmoor. 

The buildings appropriated to literature and amuse- 
ments are various, and as follows. 

THE CITY LIBRARY, 

In King-street, founded in the year 1615. This is a 
handsome freestone building ; containing a copious 
and excellent collection of ancient and modern au- 
thors, which are perpetually increasing by donations 
and annual subscriptions. The librarian is generally 
a clergyman, who has a sub-librarian to assist him. 
Mr. Catcott, late vicar of Temple, in this city be- 
queathed to this library his whole museum of mine- 
rals, fossils, and natural curiosities, with a valuable 
collection of books. A new wing w r as added to the 
building in the year 1786. The subscriptions are 
ten guineas at entrance, besides a guinea in hand, 
and a guinea and a half annually. Hours of attend- 
ance, 11 'till 3, and 6 Hill 9, Saturday evenings ex- 
cepted. 



161 
THE BRISTOL INSTITUTION, 

For the advancement of Science, Literature, and the Arti> 

is situated in Park street; the capital for erecting 
the building being derived from Shares of £25 each, 
(which sum establishes a Proprietor)* The Founda- 
tion-stone was laid on the 29th of February, 18*20. 
The building is now finished, with the exception of 
the fitting up of the Library ; and is ornamented ex- 
ternally with a handsome Portico containing a Frieze 
Sculptured and presented by E. H. Baily, Esq, R. A* 
a native of Bristol. 

In the interior are two Reading rooms, furnished 
with various daily and weekly News-papers, English 
and Foreign periodical Publications, Maps, and a 
Library of Reference ; a Committee room surrounded 
by glass cases, containing a collection of about 350 
species of stuffed Foreign and British Birds ; a Lecture 
room, capable of accommodating 350 auditors : a 
Laboratory and Aparatus room* containing Philoso- 
phical Aparatus, &c* Up stairs there is a great room 
of 60 feet by 30, and 25 in height, hitherto used for the 
gratuitous Exhibitions of Paintings by Bristol Artists, 
and Pictures by the old Masters, furnished by the liber- 
ality of Proprietors residing in and near Bristol, to aid 
the fund of the Institution. The Museum, containing 
a fine collection of Shells presented by Mrs. Lovell, 
widow of the late Dr. R. Lovell ; a collection of 
Fossils deposited by Mr. J. S. Miller } specimens of 
stuffed Quadrupeds and Reptiles ; Skeletons, Dresses 
of Foreign nations, &c. all presented by the friends 
of the Institution. In a room opposite the museum 
are the fine Casts, from the JEgina Marbles, the 
originals of which are in the possession of the King 
of Bavaria, at Munich. Behind the great room is a 
room containing the Blisset collection of Minerals, 
purchased by subscription entered into at the first 
annual meeting, and presented by the 75 subscribing 
gentlemen, to the Institution. Here also a good col- 
lection of Geological specimens, &c. is preserved, 

Y 



162 

To establish an Annual Income for the support of 
the Institution, each Proprietor of a Share of £25. 
becomes a Member, by paying two Guineas per year, 
for which he has access to theReading rooms, Muse- 
um, Laboratory, Gratuitous Lectures, use of the 
Philosophical Instruments, &c. He also receives, on 
subscribing to Lectures, (at which money is taken) an 
additional transferrable ticket; and has liberty to 
introduce Strangers to the Reading rooms, and Mu- 
seum. Proprietors holding Shares unoccupied may 
nominate, the Nominee paying two Guineas to the 
Institution, and one Guinea to the Proprietor. 

Strangers residing in and near Bristol, may have 
admission to the Reading-Rooms, by a subscription 
for a period not less than six, nor exceeding twelve 
months. 

Since the opening of the Institution several courses 
of Lectures on Chemistry, Botany, Anatomy, &c. 
have been delivered. 

A Philosophical Society has been formed by the 
members of the Institution, who have during the 
winter, monthly meetings, at which Papers on vari- 
ous subjects are read in the Theatre, and each member 
is allowed to introduce two strangers. The Society 
has elected several highly distinguished scientific 
men, for Honorary members and Associates. 

Although this Institution can hardly be said to 
have existed more than two years, yet its progress 
has been astonishing, of which its museum, &c. will 
give ample proof. It is unincumbered with debts, the 
whole building and all in it being paid for, and its 
annual income bids fair in a short period to increase 
to a sum adequate to its wants. 

The Institution is open every day from nine o'clock 
in the morning until ten at night, (Sundays, Good- 
friday, and Christmas day excepted). An introduc- 
tion from members, personally, or in writing, to the 
Curator, admits Visitors to " see the Building and 
Museum, on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, from 
eleven until four o'clock. 



103 

LITERARY and PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY, 

The Enquirer, held at the Free-masons Hall, Broad 
street : they meet every Monday evening, at 7 o'clock ; 
Lecture on Science and Literary Discussion, alter- 
nately. Ladies admitted on Lecture Nights. Con- 
ducted by a Treasurer, and Secretary, annually cho- 
sen. Any subjects involving Religion or Politics 
inadmissible. 

THE THEATRE ROYAL, 

King street, is a perfect model of elegance and con- 
venience : the internal part round the pit is semi-cir- 
cular, has two tiers of boxes, a spacious gallery, and 
the whole decorated with carving, gilding and painting 
in a superior style. The late Mr. Garrick, who 
surveyed it before it was quite finished, pronounced 
it to be the most complete in Europe of its dimensions, 
and wrote a prologue and epilogue, which were 
repeated by Powell and Arthur when it was opened, 
May 30, 1760. The theatrical performances here are 
little (if any) inferior to those in London. Here, 
amusement, literature, improvement, and a school for 
elocution, are united. Theatrical oratory, whether 
tragic or comic, imdoubtedlv may be rendered useful 
as a standard of pronounciation : and as a means of 
diminishing and gradually annihilating provincial im- 
proprieties and inelegancies. The present manager, 
Mr. M'Cready, has done much to its improvement, 
both in decoration and scenery, and certainly merits 
the countenance and support of the Public at large. 

THE ASSEMBLY' ROOMS, 

Princes street, has a beautiful front of freestone which 
consists of a rustic basement, with a central projec- 
tion supporting four columns of the corintbian order, 
which are coupled and crowned by an open pediment ; 
on the frieze is the following sentence in relief: 

Coras Cithara tollit. — Music dispels Care. 

This edifice has lately undergone various internal 
improvements, and has a neat gallery and orchestra. 



104 
It is generally let for exhibitions and public meetings 
of various descriptions. The present proprietor is 
Mr. William Black, who also keeps the Assembly 
Coffee house, which communicates with the rooms, 
and fronts the Quay. 

There are several Lodges of Freemasons in this 
city, which are highly respectable: they have one 
Hall in Bridge street, and another in Broad street. 
For the Days of meeting, and names of the respective 
Lodges, See Bristol Directory. 

WELLINGTON GARDENS, 

Sign of the Black Birds, Stapleton road, pleasantly 
situated, about a mile and a half eastward from Bristol, 
kept by Mr. Job Guy. Here are excellent accommo- 
dations for persons inclined to spend an hour in this 
desirable retreat, particularly in the summer season. 
The gardens are about three acres in extent, laid out 
with shaded walks and shrubberies, boxes and seats 
for tea and drinking parties. There are grand Galas 
at these gardens in the season, at which the illumi- 
nations exhibited are very elegant, and fire- works 
not inferior to those of Bath and London. Wines, 
draught and bottled liquors of every description may 
be had at the above gardens, of good quality and 
on moderate charges. 

WELLINGTON TAVERN, 

Baptist Mills. This is a good house kept by Mr. 
A. Johnson, where are pleasant Gardens or Shrubbe- 
ries for tea or drinking parties, and excellent accom- 
modations for Bathing, in the river Froome, with 
dressing houses on its bank w r ell shaded with trees ; 
this pleasant retreat is much frequented, and every 
attention paid to visitants. 



CHAP. XV. 

TJie Public Buildings dedicated to Beneficence; the 

Schools, Hospitals, Alms-houses, and Charitable 

Foundations and Institutions of Bristol. 



It is well known that descriptions and characters of 
cities have been extravagantly exaggerated. Most 
people are zealous for the honor and advantages of 
their own town, city, or nation : this zeal has its uses, 
but is frequently the occasion of disputes and vain 
glory. But let us not be deemed ostentatious, if we 
lay before our readers as full a list as can be procured 
of the various Charities instituted and continued in 
this city, which honor the memories of their founders, 
propogate knowledge, and afford comfortable relief, 
and asylums to the afflicted and necessitous. We 
shall begin with 

THE SCHOOLS: 

1. The City Grammar School in Unity-street, near 
to the College-green, for the instruction of the son* 
of citizens in Latin and Greek, originally founded by 
Robert and Nicholas Thorne. This has two masters, 
both clergymen of the church of England. The prin- 
cipal master dwells in the house, (Rev. J. J. Good- 
euough,) and the assistant has an allowance for a 
house; each have handsome salaries: the school haa 
two fellowships, of thirty pounds a year each, at St. 
John's college, oxford ; two exhibitions often pounds 
a year each, two others of six, and one of five, 

2. College Grammar School, in College square, 
founded by king Henry 8th, at the same time with the 



166 
bishopric, for educating six boys as singers to the 
cathedral service. — Rev. W. Millner, master. 

3. Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, kept in St 
Mary's Chapel, at the eastern end of RedclifT church, 
has several endowments, and a statue of the royal 
donor in the school. 

4. City School, Christmas street, for maintaining, 
cloathing, and educating 42 boys, for seven years, 
and apprenticing, with a premium of ten pounds 
each. Isaac Weston, master. 

5. Colston's School, St. Augustine's-place, Found- 
ed and endowed by Edward Colston t Esq. for 
cloathing, lodging, boarding, and educating for seven 
years, 100 boys, who are apprenticed at the end of 
their term, with a premium of fifteen pounds. — Wm. 
Haynes master. 

6. Colston's Charity School, Temple-street, for 
cloathing and teaching 40 boys. T. Williams, master. 

7 Merchants' Hall School, for educating 40 boys, 
and Teaching the mathematics. — Edmund Sheriff, 
master. 

8. Red Maids' School, College green, for forty 
girls, who are admitted from the age of 8 to 10, and 
lodged, cloathed, boarded, and instructed, 'till they 
are 18 years old. Elizabeth Davis, governess. 

9. RedclifT and Thomas Charity School, Pile- 
street, for cloathing and educating 40 boys. Thomas 
Giles, master. 

10. Charity School f Temple- street, for teaching 40 
girls to read and sew r . Miss Bam ford, governess. 

11. Charity School, Redcliff-hill, for teaching 24 
girls to read and sew. Elizabeth Hill, governess. 

12. Uniterian Charity School, Stoke's croft, for 
teaching 30 boys reading, writing, and arithmatic— 
William Woodland, master. 

. 13. Ellbridge's Charity School, Fort-lane, St. Mich- 
ael's hill, for teaching 24 girls to read and write. 

14* St. Michael's and St. Augustine's Charity 
School, Trenchard street, for cloathing and educating 
25 boys and 25 girls, — John Wright, master; -Ann 
Wright, governess. 



167 

15. The Bristol Diocesan School, for the education 
of the poor in the principles of the established church : 
central school, Nelson street, for boys and girls ; S. 
Smith, master, Eliza Buller, governess. 

16. Charity School, Nicholas street, for educating 
10 boys and 10 girls. — John Budd, master. 

17. St. James's and St. Paul's benevolent Schools, 
St. James's barton, a neat modern Gothic building, 
where about 400 boys and girls, are taught reading, 
&c. the girls sewing, and are cloathed once a year : J. 
Sargent, master. 

18. Royal Lancasterian Free School, Redcross 
street, for boys and girls. This is a spacious build- 
ing on an excellent plan, having two rooms, contain- 
ing several hundred children, supported by annual 
subscriptions. 

19. Charity School, Castle green, for teaching 
60 boys and 50 girls. — J. King, master. 

20. A seminary in Stoke's-croft, instituted for the 
education of young gentlemen intended for the Bap- 
tist ministry, 

21. Bristol Adult School society.— This institution 
is well calculated to promote the most beneficial ef- 
fects among the lower orders of society. There are 
35 or these schools in Bristol and its vicinity, where- 
in 645 persons receive the benefits thereof. 

" Humbly they take the lowest seats j 
Matrons and hoary- headed men 
Are learners at the Savioui's feet — 
Are little children once again." 

These schools, began in Bristol in 1812, are designed 
for persons of both sexes ; without preferance being 
given to any peculiar doctrine or tenet of religion ; 
thus endeavouring to communicate an universal good, 
without prejudice and without bigotry, Number of 
learners admitted since the formation of the Institu- 
tion, 8994, 2415 of whom have been brought to read 
in the Testament. Of this society, S. Prust, Esq. is 
treasurer. Messrs. B. Donne, J. S. Broad, and J. K. 
Bragge, secretaries. 

22. Wesleyan Methodist Charity School, for 



168 
cloathing and educating 40 boys and 30 girls. Boys' 
School, Hampton-court, near Penn-street, W.Wilson, 
master. Girls' School, Cherry * alley, Milk - street, 
Mary Rix, governess. 

23. The Bristol Methodist Sunday School Society, 
instituted in 1804, the object of which is " to instruct 
the children of the poor of all denominations, to read 
the sacred Scriptures without any regard whatever 
to sect or party*" There are at present (1826) 18 
schools under the patronage of this society, contain- 
ing near 3000 scholars. The number of teachers, &c. 
actively engaged in this work, amount to above 350. 
See m Broad's Sunday Schools" for a more particular 
account, 12mo. boards, 3s. with a view of Cock 
Road School. Number of scholars admitted since 
the formation of the Institution 25,770. 

24. The Dissenters' Charity School, in the Bakers' 
Hall, Black Friars, Merchant-street. 

ALMS-HOUSES. 

Merchants 5 Hospital, King-street, for 19 seamen, 
and 12 seamen's widows, each of whom receives 3s. 
weekly, the elder brother 5s . They have various 
other benefactions. This building was begun in 
1696, and finished two years after, so as to complete 
the four sides, which inclose a paved square. Op- 
posite to the entrance from the street are the follow- 
ing lines :— ■ 

Free from all Storms, the Tempest, and the rage 
Of billows, we securely spend our age. 
Our weather-beaten Vessels here repair, 
Have from the generous Merchants and their care* 
An harbouring here ; we put no more to Sea, 
Until we launch into Eternity ! 
But lest our Widows, which we leave behind, 
Should want relief, they here a shelter find. 
Thus all our anxious cares and sorrows cease, 
Whilst our kind Founders turn our toil to ease. 
May they be with an endless Sabbath b!est ? 
Who have afforded unto us this rest ! 

2. Colston's Aims-House, St. Michael's hill, built 
1691. The front and two sides are of freestone. It 



169 
has, in the centre, a chapel, neatly adorned, 24 apart- 
ments, and other conveniencies, for 12 men and 12 
women. The elder brother receives six shillings) 
and the others four shillings weekly ; and each has 
an allowance for coal for six months, with other do- 
nations. The Clergyman, who reads prayers twice 
a day, has £20 per annum. 

3. Trinity Hospital, or Dial Aims-House, Old 
Market, for 24 widowers and widows, above 50 years 
old, each of whom has four shillings a week. 

4. Trinity Hospital, opposite the other, for 24 
women, who have four shillings per week, and other 
donations. 

5. St. Nicholas Aims-House, King-street, for 16 
elderly women, who have benefactions, and weekly 
payments from St. Peter's Hospital * 

6. Foster's Aims-House, Steep-street, St. Mich- 
ael's, founded 1482, for 7 men and 7 women, who 
have each 4s. a week, and other liberal donations. 

7. Alderman Stephens's Alms-house, Old Market, 
for 16 freemen's widows, or daughters, each of whom 
has five shillings per week. 

8. Alderman Stephens's Alms- House, Temple- 
street, for 12 old women, widows or daughters of 
freemen, who have each five shillings per week. 

9. Merchant Taylor's Aims-House, Merchant- 
street, established with nine apartments for single or 
married people. The weekly payments are five shil- 
lings to each appartment. 

10. Ridley's Aims-House, Milk-street, a neat build- 
ing of freestone, for five bachelors and five maids, 
each of whom receive nine shillings per fortnight. 

11. Strangers', or St. John's Alms- House, Tower 
lane Steps, for 13 old women, eight ot whom have 
2s. four 2s. 6d. and one has only Is. 6d. per week. 

12. All Saints' Aims-House, All Naints'-street, is 
a neat circular building on the inside and has a 
square front rebuilt in 1813; for eight old women, 
who have two shillings per week from the parish, 
and one shilling per week as a gift. 

13. Burton's Alms -House, Long-row, Thonias- 

Z 



170 

street, for 16 widows, who have 2s. 6d. from St. Tho- 
mas parish, by an old charter, and a small donation 
from the corporation. 

14. Uiiiterian Aims-House, Stoke's-croft, for 12 
women. This, with the school, form one spacious 
decent building, on three sides of a large court; and 
were founded 1722, by Mr. Abraham Hook, mer- 
chant, and Protestant Dissenter. They receive 12s. 
lid. from the treasurer each month. 

15. Dr. White' Hospital, Temple-street, for eight 
men and sixteen women, each of whom receives live 
shillings per week. This has an handsome Gothic 
front of freestone, highly embellished, just added. 

16. St. James's Poor-House, Barrs-lane, for 12 
women,- who receive 2s. 6d. per week. 

17. Spencers Aims-House, Lewin's-mead, for six- 
teen persons upwards of fifty years old ; who receive 
2s. per week from St. Peter's Hospital. 

18. Gift House, St. James's-back, for six widows 
or maidens, who receive weekly payments of 2s. 6d. 
and other benefactions. 

19. Baptist Poor-House, Milk-street, established 
for five old women, who receive 2s. 6d. weekly. 

20. Baptist Poor-House, Redcross-street, for four 
aged persons, who have 2s. 6d. per week ; the charity 
is under the direction of the Baptist Ministers. 

21. Redcliff Poor-House, called Roger Magdalen's- 
of Nonney, without Temple-gate, built by order of 
queen Elizabeth, consists of eleven apartments. The 
persons admitted are eleven, three have 2s. 6d. the 
others 2s. per week. 

22. RedclirT-hill Aims-House, founded by Mr. 
Canynges, for fourteen persons, some of whom re- 
ceive 2s. a week, and others Is. 6d. 

23. House of Mercy, Colston's Parade, founded by 
the late Mr. William Fry, for eight single women. 
They have only three shillings per week, with no gift 
whatever, being poorly endowed. 

24. St, Philip's Poor-House, Pennywell-road, a 
neat and spacious building, replete with the poor of 
that populous parish. 



171 

25. The workhouse of the Friends, New-street, 
a handsome and regular edifice. 

26. Weavers' Hall, Temple-street ; originally found- 
ed for four widows of weavers, two of whom only 
remain in this house, who have parish pay ; this place 
is very ancient; the Jews' Synagogue is over ibis 
building, and was formerly the Company's Iia.i. 

After a review of these charitable Institutions, the 
reader must certainly feel himself gratified that such 
philanthropic breasts have been found thus to melt 
at other's woe ; but it must be acknowledged that the 
persons residing in these places are still objects of 
commisseration, many of whom have been respectable 
trades-people is this city, and in their time have con- 
tributed to the support of the poor of their respective 
parishes. We therefore hope, that some benevolent 
persons of property may come forward to assist those 
excellent Institutions, which would enable the trus- 
tees to increase their small dependance. 

HOSPITALS. 

St. Peters Hospital, St. Peter's-street, is the gene- 
ral Hospital for the poor of the whole city, including 
superannuated persons, orphans and idiots; and has 
a ward for lunatics. Vagrants and beggars are taken 
up and sent hither. The building is ancient and spa- 
cious, it was the Mint for coinage of money in 1422, 
which is now its most general title, and in the eighth 
of William III. erected into a City Hospital, with a 
governor, deputy, treasurer, guardians, physician, 
surgeons, apothecary, chaplain, and other officers. 
It is supported by annual assessments on the pa- 
rishes of Bristol. 

The Infirmary, in Marl borough-street, St. James's 
is a noble, extensive, and well built edifice, and is in 
an elevated and healthy situation, to the north of the 
city ; it has two wings, and the whole inclosed with 
iron pallisades. This is an ample receptacle for inva- 
lids and casualties, and is a most excellent, liberal and 
unlimited institution ; all persons, without regard to 



172 

country, colour, or dialect, who are accidentally in- 
jured, are on application, immediately admitted, with- 
out any recommendation whatsoever : and all persons 
of town or country, labouring under acute or chronic 
disorders, by a note from a subscriber, are admitted 
on Monday and Thursday. This charity is supported 
by annual subscriptions and donations, which enable 
the conductors to make ample provisions for the pa- 
tients. This is now the principal city and country 
Infirmary of the west of England, has generally about 
200 in-patients, and assists numerous out-patients 
with advice and medicine. It has a treasurer, four 
physicians, five surgeons, one resident apothecary, a 
matron, a secretary, and also a chaplain, who reads 
prayers in the several wards. 

Bristol Dispensary, North-street, and Queen Square, 
for lying-in woman, and general relief; supported by 
voluntary contributions. 

Clifton Dispensary, Dowry-square, for Lying-in 
women, and general relief of the parishioners ; sup- 
ported by voluntary contributions. 

Hospital for Diseases of the Eyes, No. 1, Maudlin- 
street. — Patron, H. R. H. the Duke of Glocester. 
Surgeon, Wm.|Goldwyer. Attendance on Tuesdays, 
Thursdays, and Saturdays from Eleven 'till One, 

Dispensary for the Cure of Complaints in the Eyes, 
Frogmore-street. Surgeon, J. B. Estlin. Days of 
attendance, Wednesday at 1. and Sundays at 9 in the 
morning. 

Asylum for the indigent Blind, Lower Maudlin- 
street, St. James's. The design of this Institution is 
to instruct the Blind in some useful trade, by which 
they may be enabled to provide for their own main- 
tenance. It extends to all proper objects of both 
sexes, who apply for admittance, from every part of 
the united kingdom. Its principal manufacture, are 
fine and coarse baskets, which are constantly on sale 
at the asylum. Conducted by a committee of 20, and 
supported by voluntary subscription ; a benevolent 
and praise-worthy institution! may it have ample 



173 
encouragement from those who can clearly see cor- 
poreally, and discern mentally, its unspeakable proprie- 
ty and probable utility. Let the following old stanza 
excite those to gratitude and generosity who are in 
full possession of all their senses, and of a plenitude 
of the good things of this life. 

11 1 see blind people with my eyes, 
To Hospitals 1 walk ; 
I hear of them that cannot hear, 
And of the dumb 1 talk." 

Penitentiary, Upper Maudlin-street. This valua- 
ble institution, established 1800, receives these un- 
happy females who have strayed from the paths of 
virtue and have a desire to recover their character. — • 
They are employed in needle-work, &c. till they are 
deemed worthy to be placed in situations or restored 
to their friends. Presidents and vice-presidents, the 
right worshipful the mayor and sheriffs for the time 
being. 

Refuge society, Lower Castle-street. This institu- 
tion has the same great object as the penitentiary. 
It affords a prompt reception to applicants under 
urgent circumstances. This establishment was form- 
ed in 1814. 

The Asylum for Orphan Girls, established in the 
year 1795, at Hooks' Mills, about a quarter of a mile 
from the end of Wilder-street, St. Paul's, in a plea- 
sant and healthy situation, where a neat chapel ha* 
been erected, and a chaplain appointed to perform 
divine service on Sundays. 

Reynolds s Commemoration society, for granting relief 
to persons in necessitous circumstances, and also 
occasional assistance to other benevolent institutions 
in or near the city, to enable them to continue or in- 
crease their usefulness. Conducted by a treasurer, 
three secretaries, and a committee of forty. 

Humane society, for the recovery of persons appa- 
rently dead by drowning, or any other species of 
suffocation ; extended ten miles round the city of 
Bristol. Patrons, the mayor and corporation of the 



174 
said city. President, the right worshipful the mayor 
for the time being. 

Samaritan society, instituted in 1807. To reach 
those varieties of wretchedness which in the lustre 
of large establishments pass unnoticed, or for which 
no provision is made, and to relieve only after full 
investigation; to aid in procuring parochial assistance 
for those who shall be entitled thereto, but whose 
claims are remote ; and to prevent the laborious poor 
from sinking, through casual pressure, into hopeless 
beggary, are the objects of the Samaritan. 

Strangers' Friend society, instituted in the year 1786, 
for the purpose of relieving sick and distressed stran- 
gers, and other poor, at their respective habitations. 

National Benevolent Institution, (Bristol district,) 
for the relief of distressed persons in the middle ranks 
of life, of whatever country or persuasion ; supported 
by annual subscriptions, (usually five shillings,) by 
donations and bequests. 

The Prudent Mans Friend, instituted in 1812, for 
the suppression of vagrants, street-beggars, and im- 
postors ; and for the promotion of ceconomy and pru- 
dence among the labouring classes, by lending them 
sums of money on security, without interest ; to be 
returned by weekly payments of one shilling in the 
pound. Time of application for loans is on Monday 
mornings from ten to twelve o'clock, at the Savings 
Bank, Bridge-parade. 

Friend in Need society, instituted in 1789, revived 
in 1809, for relieving sick and distressed persons, at 
their respective habitations. Held at the Tabernacle, 
Penn-street. 

Dorcas society, for the relief of poor lying-in women 
by the loan of linen, &c. during the month of their 
confinement, and requisite articles for other sick fe- 
males ; likewise for bestowing female apparel to the 
needy. 

Female Misericordia society, for the relief of sick 
and lying-in women. 



175 

Lying-in Institution, for the immediate assistance 
of the poor, either inhabitants of the city or casual 
poor. Five shillings or upwards constitutes a sub- 
scriber. Patron the Duchess Dowager of Beaufort. 

St. Philips Dorcas society, for the benefit of poor 
.Lying-in women of the parish ; conducted by a com- 
mittee of Ladies. 

Grateful Society, established for apprenticing Free- 
men's sons, and latterly for relieving of Lying-in 
women. 

Anchor society, for relieving poor housekeepers, 
and lying-in women. 

Dolphin society, for relieving Distressed persons. 

Those three societies meet, dine, and deposit their 
subscriptions on the 13th of November, and recom- 
mend such cases as may present themselves for relief, 
&c. 

Auxiliary Bible society, for supplying the Military 
and Poor with the holy scriptures, at very reduced 
prices. President, the Right Reverend the Lord 
Bishop of Bristol. Depository, 28, Corn-street. 

Merchant Seamen s Bible Association, for the port 
of Bristol, for supplying mariners with Bibles and 
Testaments at reduced prices. 

Church of England Tract society, instituted in Bris- 
tol in 1811.— The Depository, is at 6, Clare street. 

Bristol Circulating Tract society, for the purpose of 
Lending religious Tracts to poor families ; distribu- 
tors are appointed, who also call for the Tracts, and 
endeavour to impress upon the minds of their readers 
the subject treated on. 

Seaman s Friend and Bethal Union. President, Ad- 
miral Sir J. Saumarez, Bt. G. C. L. Vice Admiral of 
England. The Floating chapel is at the Grove: ser- 
vice on Sundays at 10 forenoon, and 6 evening. 

Auxiliary Hibernian School society, established in 
1821, for teaching the Irish Poor, both Adults aud 
Children, to read the Holy scriptures. 



170 
British Auxiliary Peace society, for the circulation of 
Tracts, shewing that War is inconsistent with the spi- 
rit of Christianity, and suggesting the means best cal- 
culated to maintain a permanent and universal Peace. 

We should not forget the numerous and respectable 
society of the Captains of ships, who meet together 
in Autumn at the Bush tavern, and go in procession 
to the Cathedral, to attend divine service and a ser- 
mon, then proceed to some public hall to dinner, 
and afterwards subscribe liberally to the support of a 
fund for the maintenance of the widows of any of the 
deceased members. This society flourishes and in- 
creases in opulence, is properly adapted to the pre- 
cariousness of the lives of seamen, and found of great 
utility to surviving widows, and their families. 

Also an annual subscription for the discharge of 
debtors in gaol. 

The before-named Institutions are all supported 
with a truly christian spirit of love and benevolence. 
The names of most of the gentlemen conducting them 
are annually inserted in the Bristol Directory. 

This city has a long list of benefactors to boast of, 
who have left large sums of money, or estates in land 
to charitable uses. The corporation of Bristol have, 
to their honor, recorded them all in a book, open to 
the inspection of the whole body, where the wills are 
all inserted, the lands described which are allotted for 
their support, and their ends ascertained : so that 
nothing but wilful inattention and neglect can ever 
occasion their being misapplied or lost. Barret, in his 
history, gives a long list of donations to the city in 
lands and money, which are to a vast amount, but too 
numerous to insert in a work of this limitation. 

It may not be improper, to notice here Alderman 
Whit son 9 Gift-money to poor housekeepers and lying- 
in women, and Dr. Thomas White's .£100. annually 
for repairing the highways about Bristol. 



CHAP. XVI. 

5t%e Public Statues ; Internal Beauties ; the Amusements^ 
Inhabitants, and Dialects of Bristol. 



THE Equestrian Statue of William III. in Queen* 
square, deserves particular attention. The horse is 
exquisitely well done, the king is habited as a Roman 
emperor, his right arm is extended* and he points 
with a truncheon, as if commanding, which is strong* 
ly expressed by the mouth, features of the face, r c.nd 
position of the head. This is universally allowed by 
connoisseurs to be the noblest equestrian statue in 
the kingdom. It is thus adverted to by IVL H. Jones, 
in his poem entitled Clifton :— 

"What grand magnificence on Virtue grows, 

What squares, what palaces, of la'e arose; 

How wealth, how taste, in every pile appear* 

With still improving grace from year to year! 

Lo, Queen's — enrich'.! by Ry.sbrack's Roman hand, 

See William's finish'd form majestic stand ; 

His martial form express'd with attic force, 

Erect, like Antontne's, his warlike Horse; 

With lofty elegance, and grecian air, 

To feast the Weil pleas'd eye, and fill the Square,'* 

The statue of Charles TL in Royal Robes, with a 
globe and sceptre in his hand, standing in a nineh in 
front of the Guildhall, is in a good bold attitude, and 
is well executed. 

The statues of the kings Belinus and BrennUS, at 
St. Johu's-gate, have a most antiqueand venerable ap*- 
pearance. On Temple conduit near Temple Church is 
a noble statue of Neptune, cast of lead, who holds in 
the hand of one extended arm a trident, and in the hand 

Aa 



178 
of the other the tail of a fish, whose head is under one 
of his feet. 

There is a very decent statue of the founder or 
benefactor of Trinity Hospital, Old-market, in a niche 
at the upper end of the building. 

The statues on the northen side of the College,gate, 
though ancient, deserves notice : the two crowned 
kings are for Henry II. and king Stephen above him ; 
on the other side of the arch the lower statute is of 
Robert Fitzharding, the founder of the church, the 
other is not known ; on the southern side, the two 
lower statues are of the Abbots Newland and Elliot ; 
one of the statues above was for the Virgin and Child, 
the other is unknown. 

Though strangers who visit Bristol must expect to 
see a very ancient city, and many disagreeable irre- 
gularities, in the most frequented entrances into it, 
yet it is not without its regular piles of building. 
Redcliff parade, and its prospects, exhibit many civic 
beauties ; the Quay, from the Stone bridge at the end 
of Quay street, with the ships on tbe Froom, to its 
influx into the Avon ; also views from the Broad quay, 
St. Augusine's parade, and upwards to College green, 
are very notable and pleasing. The views of the 
lofty hill of St. Michael, and its numerous streets and 
places, from St. James's church-yard, are undeniably 
pleasant and sublime. The Church and steeple of St. 
Paul's are striking beauties at the western entrance 
of Portland square. Many situations in St. Paul's 
and St. James's parishes are very agreeable ; nor is 
the opening to the northen road, called Stoke's croft, 
deficient in point of attraction, since numerous piles 
of building are erected on the hill to the north-east, 
called Montpelier, very admirably situated with gar- 
dens and beautiful prospects of the city 'and country. 
Glocester and Pennywell roads, to the north east of 
Bristol contain several new piles of building, cottages 
and villas, which have excellent prospects, and much 
improve that part of the suburbs. The squares have 
been particularized : the streets in the vicinity of 
College green, and Park street above all, may have 



179 
degrees of beauty attributed to them. There are alse 
many delightful propects of the lower parts of th , 
city from the upper parts, Kingsdown, St. Michael's 
Brandon, and Clifton Hills. The views uoi : Bris- 
tol Back, downwards and Redciiff church and parade; 
upwards, of Bristol bridge, Bridge street, St. Nicholas 
church, &c. exhibit, undoubtedly, internal beauty) 
The central parts of the old city, which are much loo 
narrow and confined, is so enriched by the public 
building's, churches, and stately steeples, tfokt it may 
fairly lay claim to approbation. Thus is Bristol pleas- 
ingly varigated with ancient and modern buildi :s, 
plains and eminences, and by every sort and style of 
building common in England. 

Large, splended buildings in thy streets abound ; 
Thy suburbs too delightful walks surround ; 
Without thy walls, ariay'd in smiling green, 
Are tow'ring hills and charming landscapes seen. 

In Bristol there are people of different countries, 
languages, and religions. Next to the natives, the 
Welch are most numerous, or those of Welch extrac- 
tion : this appears by the names so frequently met 
with, such as Morgan, Griffith, Jones, Evans, Bevan, 
Edwards, Rice, Price, Davis, Lewis, James, Thomas, 
Williams, &c. : the number of those in trade, paricu- 
larly, may be seen in the Bristol Directory. There 
are also many Irish here, wiio inhabit, principally, 
about Marsh street, and the Quay, and frequently 
use their own national language ; most of these are 
Catholics, but the Welch are generally Methodists or 
Baptists. There are many Scotch in Bristol, also a 
few French, Dutch, Italians, and Spanish. Here are 
many Jews, some natives, and others from various 
parts of the world. 

The counties in the vicinity, Glocestershire, Somer- 
setshire, &c. furnish the city with a continual sup- 
ply of new inhabitants. Many natives of London reside 
here ; and there is a perpetual interchange of inhabi- 
tants between the two cities. People from all parts 
of the Island come hither, and there is every dialect 
used in Bristol that is known in England. Therefore, 



180 
any general character of such an heterogenous mix- 
ture of people cannot be given. The natives pro- 
nounce El <:lish better than at any other part of the 
west of England ; though they retain some peculiarities 
of Glocestersliire and Somersetshire. Well-bred peo- 
ple pronounce with more propriety ; and those of the 
different parts of the city speak very differently ; those 
of the western much better than those of the eastern. 

There are every gratification and amusement in 
Bristol [hat a rational person can desire. They who 
are for pedestrian exercise have convenient walks 
within, and superlatively pleasant and delightful walks 
without the city. The equestrians have at their elec- 
tion, the adjacent downs of Durdham and Leigh, the 
Hills to Pcrtishead, Walton and Clevdon, in view of 
the Bristol Channel ; the delightful villages of Ash ton, 
Leigh, Wraxal and Back well on the one side, and of 
Kingsweston, (the seat of Lord de Clifford) Westbury, 
Henbury, Almondsbury, Stapleton, and Frenchay 
on another, and we may add Brislington, Knowle, 
Dundry, and the New and Old Passages, excursions 
which add greatly to the health and felicity of the 
inhabitants. On the entrance to Bristol from Bath 
there is a carnage road beginning at Hillsbridge, and 
continuing by the side of the New River, and passing 
Bathurst Basin, the new Gaol, to Cumberland Basin, 
and thence to the Hotwells. A new carriage road is 
made at the Hotwells, passing the Pump room on the 
side of the river, taking a direction up the Rocks to 
Clifton down, and thence to the New and Old Pas- 
sages. This is the most pleasant ride about Bristol. 

Those who are fond of the Water may make most 
pleasant voyages down the channel, as low as the 
Flat Holme, where their is a good house of entertain- 
ment. For the lovers of music and dancing, the con- 
certs and balls, frequently at the Clifton hotel, in the 
Mall ; at Glocester Rooms, Hotwells, and at the As- 
sembly Rooms, Priices street. 



CHAP. XVII. 



The different Classes, Manners, Customs, Peculiarities , 
Coffee- Houses, Taverns, Inns, Newspapers, Earldom , 
Representation, best perspective Views of Bristol, and 
summary Particulars. 



AS there are many people of fashion and fortune, 
who are constant residents at the Hotwells and Clif- 
ton, so there is a great influx of nobility and gentry 
from all parts to these places during the months of 
Summer. These well-bred people circulate cash; 
enliven and embellish the city ; introduce propriety 
of diction; taste for literature, novelty of fashion, 
and elegance of address ; so that the inhabitants can- 
not fail to profit by their arrival. The ladies, gentle- 
men, and decent ranks in Bristol, dress fashionably, 
having Bath almost at their gates, and Clifton and 
the Hotwells under their inspection. 

It has been frequently observed, that formerly, the 
ladies of Bristol were noted for homeliness of person, 
and an ungraceful appearance. It is difficult to ac- 
count for such a native and universal deformity as 
have heretofore been their characteristics. These 
attributions might possibly be, as many other local 
reflections and stigmas are, utterly groundless, but 
whether so or not, at present the contrary is abso- 
lutely the case. Many of the fair sex here are truly 
fair, and England cannot produce finer and more 
beautiful women than the city of Bristol. I hope 
the reader will excuse rue, if 1 borrow a few of Mr, 
Thome's pretty lines on this very subject. 



182 

o! mid the spacious walks of College-green, 
What num'rous crowds of blouming nymphs are seen ! 
Beneath the branches of th' extended trees 
They take their circuit, and imbibe the breeze. 
Not Helen's face, which prov'd the fall of Troy, 
Outshone the charms Bristola's Fair enjoy ; 
With these, Diana, and hei virgin train, 
May vie for b» amy, but may vie in vain ; 
Not Venus' self, where Venus to appear, 
Could look, in figure, or in face more fair : 
The gracefu! form with rapture I survey, 
And piercing eyes, where sportive Cupids play : 
The swelling breast, more white than Alpine snow, 
Where honour triumphs, and the virtues grow ; 
In charms like these, Bristolia's daughters shine, 
And boast a semblance equal to divine. 

The people of Bristol are strict in the observation 
of the Sabbath. At nine o'clock in the morning, the 
tenor bells of all the parish churches are risen, rung 
a knell for half an hour, and fallen ; then the bells in 
each tower are chimed for some time, which makes 
a solemn jingling ; these are succeeded by small 
bells, which toll the people into church. The same 
commences at two in the afternoon. Just after the 
beginning of Divine Service, the constables of each 
ward go about their respective districts, to rid and 
shut up the public-houses. 

The birth-day of Mr. Colston, Nov. 13, that liberal 
benefactor to this city, is observed here with great 
ceremony. As soon as the 12th of November is 
over, at 12 at Midnight, the great bells at redcliff are 
rung muffled ; and so are all the bells of the city, in 
turn, till dawn of day ; and from thence to the close 
of this holiday. Also various charitable societies 
meet, dine, and deposit their contributions in honor 
of his memory. 

COFFEE HOUSES, INNS, & TAVERNS. 

There are four coffee-houses here ; the Bush, or 
Jack's Coffee-house, Corn-street ; the British Coffee- 
house, in Broad-street; the Assembly Coffee-house, 
on the Quay, and Warne's Coffee-house, Hotwells. 

There are many excellent and accommodating Inns 
and Taverns in the city, among which the following 



183 
are chief, viz. Bush, Corn-street ; White Lion, White 
Hart, Broad-street ; Talbot, Bath-street ; George, 
and Saracen's Head, Temple-gate; Full Moon, North 
street; Greyhound, Broaclmead ; White Horse, Horse 
fair ; Rummer, All Saints' lane ; Montague, Kings- 
down Parade ; Bell, White Lion, Three Kings, and 
Three Queens, Thomas-street; Red Lion, Queen's 
Head, and Angel, Redcliff-street : White Hart, Old 
Market-street ; Reeves's, College-place, and many 
others which would be too numerous to insert. 

It is the custom here for all parlour and creditable 
visitants of public-houses to drink out of plate ; tan- 
kards and pint cans as they are termed. Therefore 
as the public-houses, and their frequenters, are very 
numerous, perhaps there is not a city in England so 
rich in silver as Bristol. 

There are four Newspapers printed here weekly. 

Felix Farley s Bristol Journal, published Saturday 
morning at 7 o'clock, by J. M. Gutch, 15 Small-street. 

Bristol Gazette,, (for Thursday) Wednesday even- 
ing, at 7 o'clock, by John Mills, 16, Corn-street. 

JBristol Mirror, or Bonner and Middletoris Bristol 
Journal, Saturday morning at 7 o'clock, by A. Brown, 
20, Small-street. 

Bristol Mercury, Monday morning at 6 o'clock, by 
T. J. Manchee, 30, Quay. 

The other papers in common circulation are, all 
the London papers; and of country papers, the three 
papers of Bath; the Glocester Journal, Sherbourn 
Mercury, &c. 

The Earldom of Bristol was formerly in the family 
of Digby ; it is now in that of Hervey. The present 
earl is a Clergyman; the Right Rev. Lord Frederick 
Hervey, D.D. Bishop of Derry, in Ireland. 

Bristol was a borough at the Conquest, and very 
early sent two burgesses to Parliament by ancient 
perscription. A list of its representatives is extant 
from the 23d of Edward 1. 1295. None can vote for 
members but those who are freemen by birth, free- 
hold, servitude, purchase, donation, or by marrying 
a freeman's daughter. The number of Freemen i* 



184 

about 8000. The present representatives are, Rich* 
ard Hart Davis, and Henry Bright, esqrs. 

Strangers who shall be desirous to view the city 
from the adjacent hills may be recommended to 
Brandon hill, a pleasant lofty conic eminence or 
mount, about 250 feet in perpendicular height from 
its base, from which it rises almost to a point, and is 
partly covered with verdure and some bushes, on 
which the neighbouring laundresses dry their linen. 
It is named from a chapel dedicated to St. Brandanus, 
which formerly stood on its summit. It affords those 
who mount it a beautiful view of part of Bristol (a 
great part being intercepted by St. Michael's hill) 
and of the country for many miles round* particularly 
of Landsdown, some buildings of Bath, Dundry hill 
and tower, beautiful village of Clifton ; Leigh and 
Durdham downs, the Welch mountains beyond the 
great river Severn; Kingswood ; and the river Avon, 
at the foot of the hill, and at a little distance, the 
New river. This hill appears to be a rock covered 
with a thin stratum of earth, which in some places is 
deficient and leaves the stones quite bare. The rock 
is valued by artists for grinding colors or hard sub- 
stances, for which there is not any stone known to 
be superior to it. In the civil wars the top of this 
hill was fortified by the monarchial army, against the 
parliament of England, and part of the trenches yet 
remain. On the southern side toward the bottom is 
a neat and pleasant path that leads to Clifton. Near 
this is a row 7 of decent houses, neatly built, and named 
the Queen's parade; the eastern side of the hill is 
covered with new and elegant buildings, as already 
noticed. Here Mr. Thorn's lines on Brandon-hill 
merit our notice. 

To Brandon hill my journey I pursue, 
From whence Bristolia forms a pleasing view, 
Now, on its summit, as I musing stray, 
1 trace the spot where hostile Britons lay; 
But discord, now and chil xars, are o'er, 
And joy, and commerce bless Bristolia's shore : 
Now, from each quarter, clouds of smoke appear, 
Mount their black columns, and dissolve in air; 



185 

Buildings superb, and lofty spires surprise 
The gazer's senses, a: d enchant his eyes; 
Whilst to his eais, in quick vibration, come 
The noise of\sorks, and city's ceaseless hum: 
The shouts of sailors, as their cables ride 
With waving streamers on th^ chrystal tide; 
All which declare to Bristol's busy throng, 
That commerce, wealth, and industry belong. 

There is a beautiful view of Bristol and the country 
from Montpelier, situated to the north. Totterdown 
and Pile hills, without Temple-gate, command vari- 
ous and pleasing prospects of the city and Clifton ; 
from Bedminster down there are uninterrupted views 
of the whole extent of buildings from St. Vincent's 
rocks west, through Clifton and over Biistol to its 
eastern extremity. In the apertures In tween the 
buildings in Korfield road, St. Michael's, and on 
Kingsdown to the end of Somerset-street, Nintree 
hill, are views of considerable extent of the eastern 
part of the city, and adjacent country and villages. 
There are also delightful and enchanting pre sports 
of the city and country from Clifton fields, leading to 
Ashton, Dundry, Knowle, road to Brislington, bar- 
ton hill, St. George's, Stapleton hills, and from many 
surrounding eminences, which present indescribable 
and innumerable beauties. The park S r . Michael's, 
is one of the best frequented walks of Bristol; this 
presents views of the western part of the city, and 
its new buildings ; and of the house 01 Thomas Tyn- 
dal, esq. in the fort, which is a capital mansion, built 
of stone, with three good fronts towards the pai t. 

Bristol, and its appendages, contain 750 streets, 
squares, open places, lanes, alleys, and courts ; have 
50 superb or handsome places of worship; 11 mar- 
kets for various commodities; 412 licensed houses, 
comprising Inns, Taverns, Public- houses and Li- 
quor-shops ; and 10 banks or companies of bankers; 
the particulars of all which may i e referred to, and 
the numbers of tradesmen ascertaiaed by perusing 
the pages of the Annual Biistol Directory. 



Bb 



CHAP. XVIII. 

Account of some Eminent Persons and Authors, Natives 

of Bristol. 



" SEBASTIAN CABOT, the discoverer of New- 
foundland in 1498, was born in Bristol, of Genoese 
parents. He was commissioned by Henry VII. who 
ordered a ship to be victualled and manned for him at 
Bristol, to make American discovery : he found the 
inhabitants of the island cloathed with the skins of 
beasts, and great plenty of bears who catched fish 
with their claws. King Edward VI. 1549, granted to 
this Sebastian, an annuity of ^166 for his natural 
life, and appointed him grand Pilot of England. 

William of Worcester, priest of St. James's parish, 
was born on St. James's back ; his father was a skin- 
ner and glover. In 1431 he was sent to Hartshall, in 
Oxford. He is said to be the first who translated any 
of Cicero's works into English, which was his dis- 
course upon Old Age, presented by him to W, Wain- 
fleet, Bishop of Winchester, 1473, and he complains 
that his present was without any beneficial effect to 
himself. To him we are indebted for his Latin notes 
on Bristol, written about the year 1480, which con- 
tain particular descriptions of the churches, religious 
houses, streets, lanes, and every thing worthy of 
notice in this city,. His manuscript lay long hid in 
Bennet college, Cambridge, but was decyphered and 
published by Mr. Nasmith, in 1778. 

William Cannynges, a great merchant of Bristol : 
a friend and patron of learning and religion, a bene- 
factor to the poor, and a repairer and finisher of Red- 
cliff church, was born in Bristol, and was five years 



187 
old at his father's death in 1405. His brother Thomas 
was then ten years old, was afterwards sent to Lon- 
don, became a grocer there, and served the ofhce of 
Lord mayor in 1456, the very year in which his 
brother William was mayor of Bristol ; so that London 
and Bristol, the two principal trading cities, had two 
brothers for mayors in the same year. 

A house occupied by Mr, Birtill, in Pedcliff street, 
was the residence of William Cannynges. It is large, 
and throughout exhibits an idea of that worthy and 
opulent merchant's distinguished and elevated station 
in life. Here also is a Chapel, which for twenty years 
was open to the view of the inquisitive stranger, we 
are sorry to find, owing to recent alterations in the 
house, it is now very much dilapidated ; the roof how- 
ever is entire, several monuments remain, and the 
ornamental part is removed, which to the eye of an 
antiquarian, is, perhaps, more congenial, than when 
embellished with more modern objects. On the south 
side a gallery of oak leads into a spacious room, at 
the further part of which appears a smaller one, said 
to have been his study. From this latter place the 
celebrated chest whence the poesies of Rowley came, 
is supposed to have been removed to the Church, 
where the ingenious Chatterton discovered them. A 
monumental stone, with the following epitaph, was 
erected after the battle of Trafalgar, in honor of a 
few philanthropic individuals, whose lives were spent 
for the benefit of mankind ; and as it occupies a con- 
spicuous place in the chapel, it may prove acceptable 
to our readers : 

'• John Howard, Jonas Ilanway, John Fothergill, M. D. 

John Thornton, Richard Reynolds, 

Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name be the glory. 

Beneath some ample hallow'd dome, 

The warrior's bones are laid ; 
And blazon'd on the stately tomb, 

His martial deeds display'd, 

Beneath an humbler roof we place 

This monumental stone, 
To names the poor shall ever bless, 

And Charity shall own. 



188 

To sofion human woe, their care, 
To k-el its sigii, to aid i s prayer ; 
Their work on earth uu. to destroy, 
And thHr reward their Master's joy.** 

We cannot omit to mention, that about four vears 
Since, .it the back of the altar-piece was discovered, 
beneath the floor of a parlour, a most beautiful Saxon 
Tessilated pavement, in a high state of preservation ; 
the colours even now are exceedingly bright, and the 
whole are meant to designate the armorial bearings of 
eminent Catholics; the arms of one Cardinal Pope 
are very distinct, though the eardom has been extinct 
for many hundred years. Impressions of several have 
been taken by the Kinsfs Herald at Arms, Sir George 
Neyler. This was formerly, beyond all doubt, the 
Chancel of the Chapel. 

Robert and Nicholas Thorne, who founded and 
endowed the principal grammar-school in this city, 
were natives of it, and blessed with plentiful fortunes, 
and with liberal and benevolent minds. 

Tobias Mathews, archbishop of York, was born on 
Bristol-bridge. He was a very noted, frequent, and 
eloquent preacher. He kept an exact account of all 
the sermons he preached, by which it appears that 
when dean of Durham he preached 721 ; when bishop 
of that diocese 550 ; and when archbishop, 721 ; in all 
1992. He presented to the citizens of Bristol many 
books towards forming a library, " for the use of al- 
dermen and shopkeepers, and died 1628. 

Dr. William Thomas, bishop of Worcester, was 
the son of John Thomas, linen-draper, on Bristol- 
bridge, and born 1613. He was educated at St. 
John's college, Oxford, deprived of his living by the 
parliament in 1644, and made bishop of Worcester in 
1GB3. He refused to publish king James's declaration 
for liberty of conscience, and also to take the oaths 
to king William, and while preparing to leave his 
palace and bishopric, died in the 76th year of his age. 

Edward Colston, esq. was born here, 1636, lived 
in Small-street, where he was a very successful mer- 
chant, never insured a ship, and never lost one, and 



189 
acquired a very large fortune, the principal part of 
Which he expended in doing good. Baring been 
chosen to represent this city in parliament, and his 
business in London increasing, he removed thither. 
He sent .£3000 at one time, by a private hand, to free 
the debtors in LudL r ate. At another time lie sent 
JO 1 000 to relieve the poor at Whltechapel. He annu- 
ally freed debtors confined for small debts in W hite- 
chapel pris< i and the Marshalsea; and twice a week 
had a quantity of beef drest, which with the broth, wag 
distributed to all the poor around him. In his more 
advauced years he lived a retired and devotional life, 
at Mortlake in Surry. His partiality and great bene- 
factions to Bristol are well known : and notwith- 
standing all his public donations, he left more than 
£100,000 among his relation? and dependants, ^"hat 
adds greatly to hi- character is, that he performed his 
principal works of charity in his life and health ; he 
delighted in beneficence, was an excellent and eminent 
example to the opulent of posterity. 

Sir William Draper, was the son of a custom-house- 
officer of this port, who placed him under the Rev. 
Mr. Bryant, master of the cathedral grammar school, 
He performed with great conduct and resolution the 
reduction of the Manilla and Philippine islands in 
1762, and was created knight of the bath. He lived 
afterwards some years at Clifon, and engaged in a 
controversy with the celebrated Junius in defence of 
the Marquis of Granby, and shewed himself as able at 
the pen as the sword. H^ left Clifton and lived at 
Bath, from which place he removed to London, where 
he died. 

Thomas Chatterton, whose life has been so parti- 
cularly delineated and scrutinized by various authors, 
was born on the 20th of November, in the year 1752. 
His father was sexton of RedclifT church, which office 
had been performed by his ancestors for many pre- 
vious years. Thomas the subject hereof, was a pos- 
thumous child, his father dying about three months 
before he was born. Tims he was deprived by the 
premature loss of his father of that careful attention 



190 
which would, without doubt, have conducted his 
early years through all the difficulties that circum- 
stances or disposition might oppose to the attainment 
of knowledge : and by the unpromising aspect of his 
infant faculties he was excluded a seminary, which 
might have afforded otherwise considerable advan- 
tages ; for incredible as it may appear, yet true it is, 
that Thomas Chatterton, who has attracted univer- 
sally the notice of the world from his literary accom- 
plishments, was, at the age of five years, remanded 
to his mother as too dull to learn, and incapable of 
improvement ! His mother then taught him to read 
from an old black-lettered Bible ; and when he was 
about eight years of age he was admitted in Colston's 
charity-school, is St. Augustine's place. Here he 
resided the first three years without any particular 
notice, and perhaps without effort. His sister, in- 
deed, remarks, that he very early discovered a thirst 
for pre-eminence, and that even when extremely 
young, was accustomed to preside over his playmates. 
At this school several of the elder boys were fond of 
composing verses ; but it does not appear that Chat- 
terton was any thing more than a spectator of their 
poetical contests. About his tenth year he acquired 
a taste for reading ; and out of the trifle, which was 
allowed him for pocket-money, began to hire books 
from a circulating library. His spirits were uneven, 
and he was frequently lost in contemplation, seldom 
joining in the sports of his school-fellows, but retir- 
ing to read. Between his eleventh and twelfth year, 
he wrote a catalogue of the books he had read, to the 
amount of 70. There are some circumstances which 
argue that about this time he did not fail to exercise 
himself in composition ; but Mr. Thistlewaite, who 
was intimately acquainted with him, says that he 
never attempted a single couplet during the first three 
years of their acquaintance. Yet allowing him to be 
the author of the pieces attributed to Rowley, Mr. 
Thistlewaite must have been mistaken, as he relates 
himself that Chatterton, during the summer of 1764, 
produced a MS. on parchment, which Mr. T. says, 



191 

he was confident was Elenore and Juga, Chatterton 
was then about 12 years old. On the 1st of July, 
1767, he left the Charity-school, and was bound an 
apprentice to Mr. John Lambert, attorney of Bristol, 
for seven years, to learn the art of a scrivener. Here 
he was employed in copying, the whole of the day; 
and his hours of leisure, his master had good reason 
to suppose were spent generally with his mother. 
In the beginning of October, 1768, the new bridge at 
Bristol was finished : at that time there appeared in 
Farley's Bristol Journal an account of the ceremonies 
on opening the old bridge, introduced by a letter to 
the printer, intimating that "The following descrip* 
tion of the Friars first passing over the old bridge was 
taken from an ancient manuscript," and signed Dun- 
helmus Bristoliensis. The paper, if it be allowed to 
be a frabrication of modern times, demonstrates strong 
powers of invention, and an uncommon knowledge 
of ancient customs. So singular a memoir could not 
fail to exite curiosity, and many persons became 
anxious to see the original. The printer could give 
no account of it, nor of the person who brought the 
copy ; but after much inquiry, it was discovered that 
the manuscript was brought by a youth between 15 
and 16 years of age, of the name of Thomas Chatter- 
ton. This was the first time any of these excellent 
compositions were made public. 

The account of the discovery of certain parchments 
in RedclirT church by the father of Chatterton. is well 
known as well as the manner in which that youth is 
said to have preceived the value of their contents. 
However about this time Chatterton acquired the 
notice of Mr. Catcott, who introduced him to Mr. 
Barrett, who received the pieces he communicated ; 
but it is apprehended that he seldom remunerated 
the indigent youth as he ought to have done. Chat- 
terton's attention while at Bristol was not confined 
to Rowley; his pen was exercised in a variety of 
pieces, chiefly satyrical, and several essays, both in 
prose and verse, he sent to the magazines. 

He early conceived a disgust for his profession, 



192 

and made many efforts to extricate himself from this 
anti-poetical situation ; the most remarkable, and 
which evidently from its failure, led to his untimely 
end, was his application to the honorable H. Walpole. 
This gentleman, at first, treated him in a civil man- 
ner, and wrote an answer to his letters, couched in 
very polite terms ; but afterwards understanding that 
he was poor and low in the world, instead of gene- 
rously stretching forth his arm to lift him from his 
obscure condition, he treated him with indifference 
and unmerited neglect. Mr. Walpole, sometime after 
the death of his unfortunate applicant, endeavoured 
to justify his mode of conduct, which humanity and 
a christian benevolence will undoubtedly pronounce 
unjustifiable. In his pretended and puritanical vin- 
dication of his behaviour to Chatterton he reminds 
one of a certain god belonging to the Egyptians, that 
weeps while it destroys. Of Mr. Walpole's conduct, 
it may be farther remarked, in spite of every servile 
expression of literary sycophants, that in detaining 
the youth's M.S. after the correspondence between 
them, was the height of insolence and barbarity. A 
mind of common generosity would be particularly 
careful not to give pain to the unhappy, when it might 
easily be avoided. A being, indeed of a superior 
order of virtue, would be religiously tenacious of 
answering more expeditiously the letter of a poor than 
a rich man; that the mind of the former might not 
possibly be wounded with the apprehension that he 
was despised. But this doctrine to Mr. W. would 
have been like a desertation on colours delivered to 
a man born blind. 

Being flattered by the booksellers in London, Chat- 
terton was induced to proceed to the metropolis ; but 
although he most nobly exerted himself, and by every 
effortof his undoubted genius and skill, endeavoured 
to live, he at last fell a victim to the keen and bitter 
pangs of poverty, and overwhelmed with despair, 
sunk into the arms of death, on the 24th of August, 
1770, when he wanted but a few months to complete 
his eighteenth year. 



ids 

The great and distinguished praises which havd 
been repeatedly bestowed upon Chatterton, are to be 
considered as just in every respect, if he his allowed 
to be the author of Rowley, which the generality of 
critics assert ; but as to his acknowledged productions, 
although truly excellent for such a youth, and under 
such unfavourable circumstances, they do not deserve 
the unqualified panegyrics afforded by all persons of 
sensibility on the pieces under the signature of Tho- 
mas Rowley. Agreeing that he composed the old 
poems himself, he must certainly be considered as a 
young man of the most extensive mental faculties, 
which, in consequence of the want of patronage and 
proper support being granted to him, were, by a 
premature dissolution, at once prevented from rising 
to that degree of excellence and vigour likely to have 
increased with his years. May this be a warning to 
future Wal poles ! 

Too proud for pity, and too poor for praise* 
No voice to cherish, and no hand to raise: 
Torn, stung, and 6ated with this mortal coil, 
This weary, anxious scene of fruitless toil ; 

Not a\l the graces that to youth belong 
Not all the energies of sacred song ; 
Nor all that fancy, all that Genius gave, 
Gould srtatch his wounded spirit from the grave* 

And tho' no lofty vase orsculptur'd bust 
Bends o'er the sod that hides his hallow'd dust J 
Tho' no long line of ancestry betrays 
The pride of relatives, or pornp of praise) 

Tho' o'er bis name a blushing nation rears- 
Oblivions wing — to hide reflection's tears ; 
Still shall his verse in dazzling lustre live, 
And claim a brighter wreath than wealth can give". 

Mr. James Thistlewaite, a native of this city, before 
mentioned as a contemporary with Chatterton, has 
been the author of several novels and poems, and 
various other miscellaneous productions. 

Mrs. Ann Yearsley, a favorite child of nature* 
whose genius and mental powers have distinguished 
her as a literary character. Her publication»^mo»tly 

Cc 



194 

poetic, are numerous and pleasing proofs of her good 
sense and large benevolence. They who have had 
the pleasure of her conversation, have found that her 
judgment was as sound as her heart was good. Mrs. 
Yearsley once kept a circulating library, at the Colo- 
nade, near to the Hotwell. She is now dead. The 
following lines, addressed to the Avon, will suffici- 
ently prove her intellectual capacity : 

Sttrirma to tbt abott, 

BY MRS. ANN YEARSLEY, 

" Oft, as I pensive view thee, patient stream, 

Whose midnight travels break my fairy dreams; 

Reflection marks thy ages as one day, 

Thro* which thou'st brought thy wealth and stol'n away. 

Industrious Avon ! on thy humble breast, 

Food for meek age, and infancy is prest : 

Cambria sends forth, by thee, her ripening store ; 

Waits thy return, and sends thee back with more. 

Incessant toils produce incessant gain; 

Thus Nations load thee, infant of the main ! 

Methinks, on yon wild Mountain, mid the storm, 

I yet discern an hoary Druid's form ; 

On brave Lewellyn's grave he sits alone, 

Whilst nature sleeps, nor answers to his moan : 

The remnant of the Britons who were found 

Inglorious slumb'ring near the hallow'd ground, 

He chides at morn ; but when they spread the sail 

To waft the produce of the plough and flail; 

Or treasures of the loom, which simply grace 

The ruddy daughters of the Cambrian race, 

He tunes, whilst labours o'er the plain increase, 

Hymns worthy heaven, th' hymn of blessed Peace. 

Now he decends ! slow let thy billows roll ; 

He comes, wiih awe, to tremulate the soul ! 

Go, gentle Druid ! to your Court repair; 

But oh ! I charge thee ! shrieks of war forbear ! 

Safely pass'd upward Cambria's little fleet, 

I see Hibernia leave her lov'd retreat : 

For ever welcome to this port she glides ; 

Traffic her sport, the helm swift friendship guides ; 

Her voice is sentiment, her sighs inspire, 

Her harp can vibrate to my rural lyre : 

When the sick mind would far from insult roamj 

Within her bosom it shall find a home ! 



195 

But ah ! what home waits one who party scorns! 
A geu'ral wilderness o'erspread with thorns. 
Till party leads — turn, turn, my plaintive soul, 
If Freedom lives, she breathes from pole to pole. 

On peeping masts, lo! varied colours fly! 
Stars stream beneath Sol's bright maridian eye; 
With thirteen bands of union kiss the wind, 
Leaving the hills and roaring surge behind ; 
In Peace we greet you, on your native soil ; 
Oh ! come, ye sons of Washington and toil ! 
Convinc'd that names of States are trifling things; 
Convinc'd that nothing's meant in scepter'd Kings ; 
Save social order; let those will, who choose; 
But tyrant's under every garb refuse. 

Avon, with thee comes on the Merchants* wealth, 
The bread of thousands ; rosy-colored health ; 
The cherub, purity's elastic pow'r, 
To brace the frame that lavish'd life's young hour, 
When thoughtless riot, in the name of death, 
Threw midnight poison on the tender breath, 
Thy healing breeze beauty delights to prove, 
Whom sorrow softens, or disastrous love ; 
If mourning him who sleeps in distant lands, 
Breathless and pale, whilst near his shadow stands, 
To warn and bless her through life's devious road, 
Wean her from earth, and lift her soul to God ! 
Observing thee, she half forgets her care, 
And health and peace come weaving thro' the air: 
How rich spring's foliage decks the lengthen'd way, 
To shield thy bosom from the God of Day ! 
Dark are thy Woods, by nature so embrown'd, 
Sol's gentler radiance here is truest found. 
The Artist, wond'ring, lifts his piercing eyes ; 
Thro' groves the many-colour'd prism flies 
Strikes on his sense, assists the mimic view, 
He pants, enraptur'd, 'mid the mingled hue; 
Yet, without thee, how barren where the scene; 
How dull rock obdurate, and hillock r reen ; 
How useless mounds, where erst, as legends tell 
Britons long triumph'd, and the warriors fell. 
Flow on cool Avon, bards must hush the song ; 
Cheer now the languid maid, the guiltless life prolong. 

William Isaac Roberts was born on the 8th of May, 
1796. His education was not extensively liberal, 
but his efforts to improve his intellectual faculties 
were successful, and he left not a moment unemployed 
to remedy the deficiency. He was occupied in a 



10G 

counting-bouse in tbe day ; and the hours relaxation 
from business or sleep, be devoted to study. He 
wrote several truly poetical pieces, which will be 
read with pleasure. He died the 26th of December, 
180G, and lies buried in St. Michael's cburch-yard. 

John Dawes Worgan, was born on the 8th of 
November, 1791. With a superiority of mind, he 
was fortunately situated so as to afford it cultivation. 
He was earnest in bis pursuit of knowledge, but 
died of a consumption, at the age of nineteen, when 
his prospects of literary honors were bright and flou- 
rishing. His disposition seems to have been pious 
and filial. His poems, &c. are published by Hayley, 
and will present a pleasing picture of his genius and 
education. 

George Heath, clerk, was a native of Dartmouth, 
in Devonshire ; he published here a sermon preached 
in Bradford ; — another preached at Bristol. — Original 
Hymns and poetic Essays. — Brief memoirs of an un- 
fortunate young lady. — Also, various pieces in prose 
and verse, in the periodical prints. He was the 
composer of the first edition of this Guide, in 1793, 



CHAP. XIX. 

Living Authors, Natives or Eisidents. 



THE following list, from the nature of the matter, 
cannot be supposed to contain a perfect account; 
but as far as have come under the writer's notice, he 
hopes will be deemed sufficient. 

Robert Southey, esq. poet-laureat, was "born in 
Bristol. He has written several ingenious and useful 
poetical as well as prose works. His style is peculiar, 
and his scenes are generally romantic and gloomy, 
but there is a sort of grandeur and simplicity com- 
bined in his productions, as cause them to be greatly 
admired. 

Mr. William Sewell kept a seminary at Clifton, 
where his scientific and rational mode of instruction 
clearly pointed out his value as a christian classical 
teacher. He wrote against the pernicious works of 
Thomas Paine : he has re-published, among numerous 
excellent works, " The mirror for the Times." He 
still resides in Bristol. 

Rev. S. Seyer, is the author of some useful Essays 
upon Education ; and has published " the Charters df 
Bristol," and now publishing a voluminous History of 
Bristol, parts of which are already before the public, 
which exemplify his public spirit and deep research 
into the antiquity and history of the city. 

Mr. B. Donne, has for many years kept an academy: 
is the author of numerous arithmetical, mathematical, 
nautical, and geographical treatises and publications; 
of maps of Devonshire, and the western counties ; of 
Plans of Bristol, Bath, Salisbury, Plymouth, and 
Exeter. 

Mr. II. Clarke, late of Bristol, author, tutor, and 



195 

Philosophical Lecturer. This gentleman was a valu- 
able aquisition to Bristol, as a good Mathematician, 
a natural and experimental Philosopher; a skilful 
Linguist: liberal in his sentiments, and generally 
and extensively informed. The titles of two of his 
works we here mention; " A Desertation on the 
Summations of Series. — A treatise on Perspective," 
and many other Publications. 

Mr. Romaine Joseph Thorne, native of Bridgwater, 
was a resident of Bristol, a genius and a poet, an in- 
telligent, ingenious, and deservedly esteemed char- 
acter; has favored the public with various descrip- 
tive, satyrical, and moral poems, which were well 
received. 

C A. Elton, is the author of several very excellent 
poetical compositions: he stands high in the estima- 
tion of the public as a Greek scholar, having publish- 
ed a valuable translation of Hesiod. 

Rev. J. Evans. This gentleman has given many 
proofs of his literary and scientific abilities. His 
Essays, under the title of the "Ponderer," have been 
admired for their style and sentiments. 

Thomas Curnick has published numerous Pieces 
of a poetical description, particularly " Vortigern and 
Rowena," and " Jehoshaphai," two poems of consi- 
derable length and merit ; be has appeared as a theo- 
logical writer in some animated Objections to Soci- 
nianism. 

Mr. John Evans, Printer, has recently published 
" A Chronological Outline of the History of Bristol," 
a work of much merit and length. — Octavo, 10s. 6d. 

Considering the wonderful extent to which know- 
ledge has ran within the period which has elapsed 
since the first Publication of this Guide, we are not 
to suppose that Bristol has been backward in pre- 
senting the world with instruments of mental illumi- 
nation ; on the contrary, we shall find, that this city 
has rapidly advanccfl in the paths of Literature and 
Science. 

GLORIA DEO ! 



CHAP. XX. 
THE HOTWELLS. 

Its Situation, Ancient Use, Nature and Properties of 
the Waters; its particular virtue and efficacy in vari- 
ous disorders. Contiguous buildings and hotels. 



THE warm spring or fountain called the Hotwell, 
is about a quarter of a mile westward from the liber- 
ty or boundary of Bristol, in the parish of Clifton, 
on the Glocestershire side of the river Avon. Near 
to the bottom of the clifts, on the eastern side of the 
river, a about 26 feet below high water mark, and 10 
feet above low water, this salutary fluid rises forcibly 
out of an aperture in the solid rock. Such an excel- 
lent spring-, so warm, and so copious as to discharge 
(according to the best accounts) 40 gallons in a 
minute, could not escape the notice of our ancestors, 
and especially of the sailors, who in such a well-fre- 
quented port, were so often sailing up and down the 
river, and who had eyes to descern, and knew heat 
from cold, as well as their successors. The know- 
ledge of this spring must have been coeval with the 
population of the country, and the navigation of the 
Avon. Of this we have every possible proof from 
history and tradition. 

The very earliest topographer of Bristol, William 
of Worcester, who wrote in 1480, mentions it twice 
in his book, page 185, " Fons ibidem in parte de 
Ghyston Cliff, in fundo aquae, et est ita callidus, 
sicut lac, vel aqua Badonis-" which may bear the 



200 
following translation : In the same place is afountain 4 
on the side of Ghyston Clift towards the bottom of the 
river, and it is so warm as milk, is like the water of Bath* 
And again, page 233, " Fons callidus emanat de pro- 
fundo aquae Avyn, sicutest Bathoniee," The Hot-well 
flows out of the river Ation, and is like the water of Bath, 
For the reader will be pleased to observe, that on its 
immediate efflux from the rock, the water is much 
warmer than when pumped up for drinking ; and 
also, that it feels and tastes warmer in Winter than in 
Summer, and in very cold days it heats the glass into 
which it falls from the cock* 

There have been various traditions concerning the 
uses of this water, both internally and externally; all 
of them represent it as having been much frequented, 
and applied, externally, for scorbutic complaints, 
and for cleansing and healing sores : and that sailors, 
particularly, availed themselves of its sanative qua- 
lities. In the former part of the last century it was 
resorted to for various disorders, cutaneous and in- 
ternal. There had been anciently a reservoir of brick 
made for it ; and thus it remained 'till that century 
was nearly elapsed. 

The drinking of Mineral w r aters was so much out 
of fashion and practice before the revolution, that the 
super-excellent water of Bath was almost universally 
disused, 'till the year 1691, when Mr. George Long 
was so miraculously cured of a constitution broken 
with the gout and stone. The fame of this cure 
brought crowds to Bath, to drink its water as an 
alterative, balsamic, and strengthening medicine* 
But before the last mentioned period, the virtues of 
the mild and healing spring at Bristol becoming more 
gennerally known, and its reputation and uses at- 
tracting more patients, strangers as well as residents; 
the corporation of this city had taken upon them to 
provide for the convenience of visitants, and for the 
reception and use of the water. In 1661, the sum of 
£100 was issued out of the chamber, by order of 
council, to make the way from the city, by Rownham, 
passable for coaches and horses to the Hotwell. 



201 

About 1680 the Hotwell water was rendered famous 
by being found a specific in Diabetes; owing it is 
said, to the cure of Mr. Wm. Gugg, a baker, of Bristol, 
who being reduced by that disease to the greatest ex- 
tremity so that his life was dispai.ved of, he dreamed 
that he drank plentifully of this water, and was much 
refreshed by it. He soon procured some of it to 
quench his thirst; and after using it a few days, he 
recovered and came abroad cured, to the surprise of 
his acquaintance. 

Dr. Randolph, in his treatise on this water, attri- 
butes its first reputation to its known efficacy in the 
stone and gravel. In 1691, Sir John Knight, mayor 
of Bristol, to prevent the tide from mixing with the 
spring, raised a work of stone around it, higher than 
the tide ever rose, but the weight of the water inclos- 
ed, endangered the loss of the spring by altering its 
course. In 1695, the company of Merchants of Bris- 
tol, who are Lords of the manor of Clifton, granted a 
lease for building to Sir Thomas Day, Robert Yeates, 
and Thomas Callowhill, esqrs. and several other citi- 
zens, who recovered the spring, erected the Hotwell- 
house, made proper foundations for pumps, which 
raised the water 30 feet high, and contrived pipes, 
through which the waste water of the spring Height 
run into the river : in these pipes are valves which 
open to let the water out, but shut when the river 
water is coming in. 

It has been asserted that the spring is often affected 
by the rising of the tides : but when we consider the 
copious supply, at the rate of 40 gallons per minute, 
it certainly can have no sensible effect on the quality 
of the water. 

Many experiments have been made by several 
eminent physicians to discover the distinguishing 
properties of this w r ater. It is natural to suppose, 
that in its subterraneous passage through the rocks, 
over different strata and among such a variety of 
mineral and other substances, it must be impregnated 
with their several virtues. In the common spring 
water of the neighbouring Rock-house, Fahrenheit's 

Dd 



202 
thermometer stood at 50 degrees, the water at the 
Hot well taken immediately from the pump raised it to 
70 ; and as the heat of a person in health seldom ex- 
ceeds the degree of 96, it follows that the Bristol water 
is little more than three fourths of the human heat. 

The learned Doctors — Brooks, Sutherland, Ran- 
dolph, Keir, Lucas, Rutty, Monro, Berkenhout, and 
others, have largely treated on this excellent water ; 
from their labours and our own observation, we shall 
introduce a few necessary particulars concerning its 
properties and uses. When received into a glass 
from the spring, it appears sparkling, and abounding 
with air bubbles, which rise from the bottom and 
sides to the surface, as if it were in a state of fermen- 
tation ; and is also of a whitish color, which gradually 
goes off as it grows cold, nor can any degree of heat 
ever after rise it to a similar color. And therefore, 
they who would have it in perfection, should drink it 
at the spring, when it has a delicate, soft, milky taste, 
beyond that of any other medicinal water that is 
known in England. It appears perfectly pellucid ; 
and though it is so warm and soft to the taste, it is 
in reality hard, and will not dissolve soap equably, 
but curdle it into white masses. It will not wash 
linen, or extract the virtue of tea as well as common 
water ; but after exposure to the air, for about three 
weeks or longer, it will answer these purposes full 
as well. It leaves a sensation of dryness on the pal- 
ate, is perfectly without smell, pleasing and grateful 
to the stomach, cooling and quenches thirst. 

Dr. Berkenhout, in his outlines of the Natural 
History of Britain and Ireland, vol. 3, page 92, gives 
this account of Bristol Water. "It rises Fahrenheit's 
thermomeier to 80. Lighter than rain-water. Con- 
tains, in small proportion, Glauber salts, Epsom salts, 
calcareous earth, and fixed air." 

Dr. Higgins, one of the first lecturers and teacher* 
of chemistry in London, having been at great pains 
particularly to analyze this water, has found that a 
Winchester gallon contains, 



203 

Of calcareous earth combined whh vitriolic acid in the 

form of selenite, - 

Calcareous earth combined with acidulous gas 
Marine salt of magnesia - 
Sea salt ---.«•• 



wti 


.gTS. 


- 


84 


1 


12* 





51 





01 


2 


9 



And that it moreover contains eight ounce measures 
of acidulous gas, beyond the quantity retained by 
the calcareous earth in the heat of boiling water ; and 
two ounce measures of air, equal, if not superior to 
atmospheric air in purity. 

According to the more recent analysis of Dr. Car- 
rick, about the year 1797, a wine gallon of 231 cubic 
inches of the Hotwell water is found to contain, 

grs. 
Of muriate of magnesia • •••..- 7| 

Muriate of soda -...•«.. 4 

Sulphate of soda - - - - - • » - 11* 

Sulphate of lime - - - - - - - - Ui 

Carbonate of lime ---.-••• 13-f 

Making together of solid matter - 47| 

Carbonic and gas .... SO cubic inches 

Common atmospheric air - 9 

Making together of gaseous fluids 33 cubic inches. 

But whatever the substances are that impregnate 
it, it is plain that there is nothing of a corruptible 
nature in it. It receives no taint through length of 
time, or alteration of climate, but retains its purity in 
whatever part of the world it is sent to, which occasions 
a great and continual demand for it abroad, so that 
it may now be procured in most foreign countries. 

This water is equally warm, good and salutary at 
all times in the year, Winter as well as Summer ; and 
there are many considerable persons and families 
who have made the Hotwells or Clifton their stated 
places of residence for the benefit of drinking it; 
therefore, they who wish to try and experience its 
virtues, need not delay 'till Spring or Summer, but 
immediately have recourse to this healing fountain, 



<204 

When we consider how agreeable this water is to 
sight, smell, and taste, how clear, pure, and soft; its 
gentle degree of heat, so adapted to various diseases, 
and the many cures wrought by it on those who pru- 
dently apply to it in time, it appears that it has an 
undoubted title to a place in the first class of medi- 
cinal waters. 

It has been recommended when it cannot be drank 
at the fountain head, to place the bottle in which it 
is contained, in a pan or basin filled with tepid water 
for a few seconds before drawing the cork, in order 
to raise it to nearly its natural temperature of 76 
degrees : thus it is rendered more agreeable to the 
taste, and its virtues have greater powers of exertion. 

The celebrated uses of the Bristol Hotwell water 
are to temper a hot acrimonious blood, to palliate or 
cure consumptions, weakness of the lungs, hectic 
fevers and heats. It is successfully prescribed in 
uterine and other internal haemorrages and in inflam- 
mations ; in spitting of blood, dysentery, immoderate 
flux of the menses, in the fluor albus, and purulent 
ulcers of the viscera. It is of great use in old diar- 
rhoeas, in gleets, and especially in the diabetes, for 
which it is particularly extolled ; and in other cases 
where the secretions are too much increased, and 
the humors too thin ; in the stone and gravel, and 
the stranguary ; in colliquative sweats, in nervous 
atrophy, in scorbutic and rheumatic cases, in colirs, 
the gout, loss of appetite and indigestion, in the ve- 
nereal disease, and both internally and externally in 
cancers, and the king's evil. 

Doctor Keir observes, " It has been found that 
consumptions, even in their last stages, when the ob- 
structed part of the lungs were come to suppuration, 
and an ulcer was manifest, when the body was wasted 
almost to a skeleton, when nocturnal sweats were 
profuse, and even colliquative diarrhoeas were com- 
mon, that a sudden stop has been put to the rapid 
career, the symptoms gradually mitigated, and a re- 
covery at last obtained by the regular and long con- 
tinued use of the water and a strict milk diet." And 



205 
in scorbutic and convulsive cholics, spasms, and con- 
vutsions, the doctor informs us, that the water has 
succeeded beyond imagination. Concerning the dia- 
betes, he observed, "Among all the remidies hitherto 
recommended for the cure of a diabetes, none comes 
up to the medicinal water of Bristol ; this of late years 
has been reputed almost a specific in this distemper, 
and certainly not without reason, since daily expe- 
rience proclaims the truth." And further he informs 
us that " In general, the use of these waters is both 
innocent and safe, notwithstanding their powerful 
virtues : the patients, in most cases, may drink freely 
of them, and without reserve ; and though it is not 
always so, yet it' any one will venture without direc- 
tions, i know of no medicinal water, in the use of 
which a person may, with less risque, be his own 
physician." 

The water is drank by visitants, principally in the 
Spring, Summer, and Autumn. In these seasons, 
particularly in the Summer, there are, undoubtedly, 
more opportunities, and better conveniences for the 
free enjoyment of the air, and for the use of exercise, 
which, in many disorders greatly contribute to the 
cure. But the salubrious air of the Hotwells and 
Clifton, aswell as the water both so benificial and 
strengthening to the constitution, have induced many 
to fix their abode in these pleasant situations. 

Medical preparations for drinking this water are 
not always necessary: in general it may safely be 
ventured on by the visitant. In very tender consti- 
tutions, and difficult cases, it will be highly improper 
that the patient should agitate his frame by vomits 
or any preternatural evacuations. The diet should 
be regulated according to the degree of strength and 
the state of the stomach, and the salutary effects of 
the water calmly and patiently expected. 

The usual method of taking the water, is to go to 
the pump-room in the morning and drink a glass of it, 
which contains half a pint, and then to sit down with 
the company about half an hour. For those who 
prefer exercise to silting, there is the Colonade with 



206 
shops, built beneath the rocks, and a parade about 
800 feet long, shaded with trees, by the side of the 
river, so that the company may enjoy a dry and plea- 
sant walk when it rains, or an airy, cool, and shady 
walk in the warmest season : also during the influx 
and efflux of the river, they may be entertained with 
the sight of the Merchant's ships, Steam packets, and 
Coasting vessels that generally pass up or down. 
When the half-hour is expired, another glass may be 
drank; and, at about five o'clock in the afternoon, 
the same quantity to be repeated. This is to be con- 
tinued for the first two or three days, after which the 
water may be increased to three glasses before break- 
fast, staying some proper time between each, and 
to as many in the afternoon. 

These six glasses a day are generally the quantity 
drank by each person while remaining at the Hot- 
wells, which is so far from being thought a task that 
it is done with pleasure, the water being so relieving, 
grateful, and pleasant to the taste. 

The Season at the Hotwells and Clifton commences 
in March and April, and continues till October. 

The NEW HOTWELL HOUSE is built against 
the rock, near the site of the old one, in the Tuscan 
order, and is a handsome structure of Bath stone ; 
it has an octagon frout, and a piazza on each side. 
The ground-floor contains a large Pump-Room, ele- 
gantly adorned, and convenient hot and cold baths; 
and on the upper part are good sitting-rooms. In the 
front is a carriage road, properly defended from the 
river by a wall. 

The Hotwell-house and Spring is kept by Mr. 
Moreton, who pays every attention to the Nobility 
and Gentry who attend for the use of this celebrated 
Water. Terms : To drink the Water at the Pump- 
Room, first month £\ Is. Second month 10s. 6d. 
Baths— Hot, 3s. 6d. ; Vapour. 3s. 6d. ; Cold, Is. 6d. ; 
Shower, Is. 6d. ; Seven Hot baths for £\ Is. 

There are many families who engage the Water by 
the year, for tea and table, who find it very beneficial 
to their health. 



207 

The Water is exported abroad, and sent to all part* 
of the United Kingdom, properly bottled, and keeps 
good in any climate, and for any length of time. 

It is earnestly recommended to those having tender 
lungs and delicate frames, not to delay an application 
to the remedies which bountiful nature presents in 
this place, till it be too late ; and also to the gentle- 
men of the Faculty not to detain their consumptive 
patients under their treatment till their cases become 
desperate, but to send them in time, when perhaps 
the water and air of the Hot wells may yet have a 
chance to perfect their cure. 

And now, Hotwell, on thee my muse would fain 

Bestow a portion of her humble strain : 

Salubrious fountain ! how can language tell 

What wond'rous virtue in thy waters dwell ? 

When dire consumption, with corroding sway, 

Afflicts the fair, and makes their bloom decay, 

Thy healing stream invigorates their souls, 

The monster baffles, and its rage controuls; 

Once more restores them to their lover's arms, 

Replete with health, and fraught with blooming charms. 

Dear valued fount ! to distant countries Fame 

Hath loudly borne thy much-distinguish'd name : 

To distant countries is thy wave consign'd, 

In copious floods to benefit mankind. 

Thorne. 

WARNE's HOTEL and BALL-ROOMS, (late 
Bartons) a short distance from Rownham. These 
Rooms are rendered eligible and elegant by Mr. 
Warne, who has made several improvements in his 
Hotel, and his CofFee-Room we pronounce to be the 
handsomest in the west of England. On the northern 
side over the Ball Rooms is a lofty house, in which 
are many spacious and airy dining, sitting, and bed- 
rooms, which command delightful propects of the 
river, the hills, and country. The Assembly room 
is 90 feet long and 35 wide, and 35 high : has glass 
chandeliers, and a music gallery. Near the Hotel are 
excellent stabling for horses and good coach houses. 
This Hotel is admirably situated for its nearness to 
Cumberland Basin, or entrance to the harbour, where 
the Steam packets and other vessels arrive, being well 



208 
calculated to accommodate those families who arrive 
and leave by steam conveyance. 

HARRIS'S HOTEL, a new, and convenient build- 
ing at the end of Caroline place, and fronting the 
Locks of Cumberland Basin, where there is every 
accommodation for travelling families, and an excel- 
lent prospect of the surrounding country. 

At the Hotwells whole houses may be taken by the 
week, month, or year, handsomely furnished ; and 
lodgings may also be obtained at reasonable rates, 
combining comfort, convenience, and great attention. 
The dwellings, which generally receive the noble and 
polite visitants, are, the Hotwell- House ; St. Vin- 
cent's Parade, a range of elegant houses fronting the 
river ; Paradise-row ; Warne's and Harris's Hotels ; 
Dowry-square and parade ; Chapel-row ; Albemarle 
row ; Hope-square ; Granby-place, &c. in all of which 
are good Lodging-houses, some of them built in an 
elegant style, and ornamental to the situation. 

The town called the Hotwells, or more properly 
St. Vincent's, has been greatly improved within a 
few years. The society of merchants, who are lords 
of the manor, and proprietors of the Hotwell, latterly 
have made great improvements, and such as will 
prove highly beneficial to the visitants and residents 
of this desirable situation, reflecting honor on them- 
selves as a body of respectable gentlemen. 

The first of these Improvements, is, the taking 
down of the old Hotwell-house, and building a new 
one as already noticed. Secondly, having effected 
a Carriage road in its front, passing below the rocks 
by the side of the river, and ascending by a gradual 
slope to Clifton down, a little below where the turn- 
pike formerly stood, where a new Turnpike-house 
has been built ; this road leads on to Durdham-down, 
Westbury, Henbury, &.c. and forms a ride of unri- 
valled beauty and magnificence. And thirdly, a few 
yards beyond the Hotwell-house commences a Ser- 
pentine Gravel Walk up the Rocks to Clifton ; this 
js an easy ascent and affords a sublime prospect of 
the Rocks and Woods. 



209 

There are at the Hotwells and also at Clifton, neat 
Pony Cars and Donkies for riding, which may be 
hired at any time of the day. The Downs being so 
near to the Wells and Clifton afford some of the finest 
rides imaginable, having in view the river Avon to 
Ihe Severn, and beyond to the mountains of Wales. 
The cool and refreshing breezes from the sea on these 
downs, cannot fail to strengthen those of weak con- 
stitution. 

Those whose strength will permit, may sail down 
the river in boats, and when accompanied with music, 
which is echoed and re-echoed by the rocks, have a 
most delightful effect ; they may sail down as far as 
Portishead, take cold collations with them, and dine 
in the woods, which are shady, rural and pleasant : 
from whence there are views of the Bristol channel, 
Steep and Flat Holmes, the opposite Welch moun- 
tains, and adjacent country. 

On the 1st of November, 1755, the Hotwell Water 
suddenly became very red, and so extremely turbid 
that it could not be drank. All conjectures concern- 
ing the cause of this phenomena were then in vain. 
In a few days the news of the earthquake at Lisbon 
gave a dreadful solution to enquiries concerning the 
change in the water, which ran foul a long time be- 
fore it recovered its former purity. 

On the same day, the water of a well in a field 
belonging to Mr. John Harrison, near St. George's 
Church in Kingswood, which had been remarkably 
clear, became suddenly as black as ink, and conti- 
nued unfit for use nearly a fortnight. Such a dread- 
ful and extensive commotion was on that day in the 
bowels of the earth, and in the sea, that its effects 
were perceived, with astonishment, at Milford-haven, 
various parts of the Bristol Channel, and in the river 
Avon, whose tide, then ebbing, was driven back, and 
flowed upwards for some small time. The eruption 
was only at devoted Lisbon, the greater part of which 
was laid in tremendous and awful ruin! 



Ek 



CHAP. XXL 

Of St. Vincent's Rocks ; the Bristol Sto?ies ; Clifton, 
its Buildings, principal Mansions, Rooms and Hotels; 
Sion Spring, or upper Hotiuell; the saline Mineral 
Spa, its Properties and Effects. 



BETWEEN Rownham and the Hotwell house, 
rise on each side of the river, a magnificent range of 
Rocks, which are not more remarkable for their height 
than for their being equally so on each side of the river; 
the strata hi some places answering on each side for 
about one mile and a half in a serpentine course. 
These constitute some of the greatest natural curiosi- 
ties in England. The Rock beyond the Hotwell, and 
on the same side, is named St. Vincent's, on the 
highest part of which was formerly a Chapel, dedi- 
cated to that Saint, who was a native of Spain, and 
suffered marterdom at Valencia, A. D. 305 ; therefore 
the Spring was called St. Vincent's Well. The chapel 
was standing in the time of William of Worcester, 
who describes it as being twenty-seven feet long, and 
nine feet broad. 

The grand Rock of St. Vincent, which is 300 feet 
high, furnishes the Natural Philosopher with many 
curious fossils ; the Botanist with some scarce plants ; 
the Antiquarian with the remains of a Roman camp, 
and the less curious inquirer with a view of the most 
astonishing and dreadful precipiece. The rocks are 
generally, when broken up, of a dusky red, brown, or 
chocolate-coloured marble, very hard and close- 
grained, and on being struck with a hammer, emit a 
strong sulphureous scent. This stone will bear a 
polish equal to any foreign marble, and when sawed 



211 

into slabs and polished, it appears beautifully varie- 
gated with veins of white, bluish-grey, or yellow. It 
makes excellent lime, for which purpose there is not 
any stone in England so good as this, nor is there 
any lime so strong, fine and white. Most ^pectatoi s 
of these rocks are of opinion that they were once 
united, and were separated by some terrible convul- 
sion of nature. A few lines from Mr. Thome's Bris- 
tolia, may be suitably inserted here. 

But yonder, tow'ring o'er the swelling tide, 
SU Vincent's far-fam'd. awful rocks, abide ! 
Heav'ns ! whit tremendous piecipieces, there, 
Exalt their heads, and shoot into the air ! 
Say, craggy rocks, what iude convulsion tore 
These clifts from those on yon adjacent shore? 
You look as though, in ages past, you'd been 
In contact close, without a gulph between. 

In the fissures and cavities of the rocks, are found 
these fine chrystals, called Bristol Stones, or dia- 
monds, some of which are so hard as to cut glass, 
are exceedingly clear, colourless and brilliant ; and 
when set in rings in their natural state, have appeared 
of as high a polish and lustre as if they had been 
wrought by the most skilful lapidary. 

It will be proper to observe to the purchasers of 
clusters of stones, apparently chrystal, that are sold 
at the shops, that many of thern are nothing better 
than spar, and much softer than the true Bristol stones, 
which will cut glass, and bear the fire and aqua-fortis 
without alteration ; but glass breaks the spar, aqua- 
fortis corrodes it, and fire calcinates it into lime* 
Also the shoots of spar are triangular, or pentangu- 
lar, but those of chrystals are hexagonal and termi^ 
nate in a point. 

Words fail to express the grandeur and richness 
of the scenes, rocks, trees, shrubs, flowers, herbs, 
plants, and productions of this incomparably plea- 
sant and healthy part of the country. The ground 
on which we tread abounds with aromatic plants,, 
and their refreshing fragrance inspires new life, 
health, and cheerfulness 5 the ear is delighted witfc 



212 

the melodious notes, and with the morning and even- 
fug songs of a thousand feathered songsters, the eye 
gratified and the senses charmed, and the valetudi- 
narian once more enjoys the blessings of incipient 
ease and vigour. 

CLIFTON is indubitably one of the most pleasant, 
healthy, and elegant villages of the kingdom. Its 
air is so remarkably pure, salubrious, and restorative, 
that it has been long ago, and by various authors, 
stiled the Montpelier of England. It commands 
a pleasing prospect over the western part of the city, 
and of the Avon, which, when full, and vessels are 
sailing up or down, add much to the beauty of the 
view. On the opposite shore, the agreeable, well 
cultivated and wholesome part of Somersetshire, com- 
pletes the landscape. This rises, gradually, for five 
miles, from the river, to the top of Dundry-hill, on 
-which is a church with a lofty tower, that may be 
seen from all the surrounding eminences. As the 
delightful situation of Clifton has, long since, in- 
duced many opulent persons and families to make it 
their principal residence, the continual new acces- 
sions of inhabitants have occasioned the hill to be 
almost covered with elegant piles of building, and 
separate mansions, such as few villages can show. 

We shall here particularize the principal buildings, 
in all of which are houses elegantly furnished for the 
reception of families; who maybe accommodated with 
a whole house or apartments, by the week, month, 
or year. The Royal York Crescent, fronting the 
south-east, has 52 noble houses, and a paved parade 
near 20 feet wide, inclosed with iron rails, forms a 
delightful walk, and fine prospect. A carriage road 
below, and a meadow, separate this and the Lower 
Crescent, which is nearly as extensive as the Upper, 
but not yet finished. Near to this, is Windsor Ter- 
race, an elegant building of eleven houses, which has 
the look of one entire mansion, built to the edge of 
the rock, and has a sublime appearance from below; 
a little above is Paragon Buildings, in the form of a 
crescent ; and next to this is Prince's Buildings, six- 



213 
teen houses, the back of which has a delightful view 
of the rocks and scenery below, and the Hot wells; 
on the entrance to Clifton Down, is Glocester Row, 
and Beaufort Buildings, and opposite Harley Place; 
between these buildings is a pleasant, extensive, and 
much frequented walk, ornamented with stately fir 
trees and a shrubbery; near to this is Rodney Place, 
and Boyce's Buildings. Also to the north of the 
church are many fine buildings, cottages, and villas, 
particularly Richmond Terrace, an extensive pile 
elevated above the road, and fronting three sides, 
and has about 40 elegant houses : on the north-west 
side of this building is a road which leads to Durd- 
ham Down, and in the grounds adjoining, is Mr. Cur- 
tin's Nursery, recently laid out, which Nursery adds 
greatly to the prospect of that side of the Terrace. 
Clifton and York Places, have many fine houses ; 
excellent piles of building are in a great state of 
forwardness in the fields leading from Tyiul all's 
Park gate to Richmond Terrace, one of these is nam- 
ed Maridian Place, some of the houses are already 
occupied. 

At the top of Park-street by the side of Tyndall's 
Park, a good road leads to Vittoria place, and many 
elegant villas ; next to White Ladies' turnpike ; from 
thence to the foot of the Down are on each side of 
the road, the extensive Nurseries of Mr. John Miller, 
which has lately undergone great improvements, and 
adds to the beauty of this part of the vicinity, on the 
left of the road is a well finished pile of Building 
called King's Parade; at Durdham-down also, are 
many good houses, some of which are let to visitants. 

About the centre of Clifton is the Mall ; this is 
two elegant piles of building, containing 20 houses 
with freestone fronts, opposite and perfectly similar 
at the distance of 130 feet from each other, and in 
this space is a beautiful shrubbery ; the south-western 
end is open to the fields; Clifton Hotel, and build- 
ings corresponding in architecture, exhibit great ele- 
gance of taste, and form the nor.ii-eastern side.— 
We shall here describe the Hotels ; first, 



214 
THE CLIFTON HOTEL, 

(late Mangeon's) with the Assembly and Ball-Rooms 
is now kept by Mr. James Burtt. The following 
are the accommodations : — 

The front consists of three elegant and costly rooms, 
the centre of which is the Ball Room, about 50 feet 
in length and a proportionate breadth, richly orna- 
mented, and furnished in a style not inferior to any 
in England ; adorned with glass chandeliers and lus- 
tres, rich drapery, &c. ; the doors mahogany. On 
one side is the Card, and on the other the Tea Room, 
decorated and furnished in a style equal to the former, 
and separated only by large folding-doors, which, 
when thrown open (as they are occasionally), form an 
extensive suit for the Public Subscription Assemblies ; 
afford every accommodation combined with the most 
polite, genteel and fashionable amusements. 

In this extensive Hotel these are about twenty sit- 
ting rooms, and seventy bed rooms, which are fitted 
up in a grandeur seldom witnessed ; indeed we pro- 
nounce them equal, if not superior to those of any 
hotel in the United Kingdom ; and the different offi- 
ces are so well calculated to answer their purposes, 
as to render it in every respect fit for the residence 
of the nobility and gentry during their stay at this 
place of fashionable resort, as it is, without ex- 
ception the most elevated and delightful spot in 
Clifton. 

Near to the hotel are dry, secure and commodious 
coach houses and good stabling for horses. 

The business of the late Royal York Hotel, which 
was in Glocester row, having been purchased by Mr. 
Mangeon, deceased, those premises are now private 
dwellings. 

It is but justice here to remark, in contradiction to 
some reports circulated respecting the charges, in 
every respect, at this hotel, that, in point of attention, 
accommodation, and moderate terms, it ranks first in 
estimation with all who have therein taken up their 
abode. 



215 

THE BATH HOTEL, near Glocester Row, and 
fronting the Rocks, is kept by Mr. Thomas Ander- 
son ; at this Hotel are excellent accommodations, 
and from its apartments are delectable views of the 
rocks and opposite woods. 

Clifton bids fair to become a fine town, and parti- 
cularly by the addition of a large and elegant church 
lately built, as we have already noticed, in page 132, 
and with the buildings below, constitute a sort of 
Westminster and Court-end to Bristol ; it being duly 
to the west of this ancient city. 

In Nelson place, near Boyce's Buildings, is a neat 
building with freestone front, built by subscription of 
some Gentlemen of Clifton, in which are Billiard, 
Card, and Reading Rooms. 

At the entrance of Clifton Down is a good house 
that belonged to the late Sir William Draper, who 
erected, at the western part of the garden, before the 
front, an obelisk of freestone, with a short Latin in- 
scription on its base, to the late Earl of Chatham : 
and on the eastern side, a Cenotaph with Latin verses 
and an English inscription, to the memory of those 
departed warriors, who fell in various battles and 
sieges in the East-Indies ; at Madras, Pondicherry, 
and Manilla; with the names of officers, and list of 
the battles. This house is now the residence of 
William Miles, esq. who has made great improve- 
ments, by erecting in its front a lofty portico, in the 
modern gothic, which has a grand effect from the 
walk on the Down opposite Glocester row; it is now 
called Manilla Hall. 

Opposite to Clifton Church is the house of Gabriel 
Goldney, Esq. celebrated for a curious Grotto, com- 
posed of a vast variety of rare and costly Shells* 
brought from various parts of the world. The inter- 
stices are enriched with Bristol and other stones ; 
different kinds of Spar, mundic, metallic ores, fossils 
and petrefactions. It is floored with mosaic brick; 
at the upper end, in a cavity, is the statue of a river 
god, leaning upon an urn, out of which issues a stream 
of water ; this runs murmuring over rough stones. 



216 
partly into the hollows of two large escallop shells, 
which weighs near to three hundred pounds; from 
the brim of these it falls in gentle rills into a reservoir. 
On the opposite side to the entrance there is a repre- 
sentation of a Lion's den, in which are the figures of 
a lion and lioness, as large as life, and well executed. 
From the grotto is a subterraneous passage to one 
of the first terrace walks in England ; from whence 
are rich and delightful prospects. The Gardens are 
extensive and in excellent order. The fountains and 
a large pond, abounding with gold and silver fishes, 
are supplied with water from a well, by a steam- 
engine. The avenues are decorated with statues, 
and bordered with lofty trees, which afford cooling 
shades in the hottest times of summer. 

It is recommended to the reader to visit the Roman 
Camp on the top of Clifton Hill, and the summit of 
St. Vincent's Rocks, where the remains of a wind- 
mill now stands ; and to observe the marks of the 
ancient intrenchments and fortifications, where coins 
of the latter Roman emperors have been frequently 
found. A peep from the edge of the rocks into the 
gulph beneath never fails to excite, in a stranger, 
surprize, admiration, and horror. 

Clifton Post office is nearly opposite the eastern 
end of the Royal York Crescent. Deliveries are made 
in the morning for the Northern, — 12 the London, 
and at 8 evening for the Western mail. Letters should 
be put in the Clifton office, for London and all parts 
a quarter before four o'clock in the afternoon. 

Clifton has two very respectable Circulating Libra- 
ries, with Reading-Rooms, &c. 

Mr Lane's, at No. 6, Sion-place, who, for general 
accommodation keeps an extensive assortment of new 
books, stationary, perfumery, and toys. 

Mr. Aitkens's valuable Library, who also keeps the 
Sion Spring, or Upper Hotwell, and sells perfumery 
of all kinds. Here is a spacious pump-room, and 
bathing-places for those who wish to try the external 
as well as internal uses of the water. 

We shall here introduce an historical account of 



217 
SION SPRING, or UPPER HOTWELL. The 

late Mr. Morgan, an attorney of Bristol, built a 
house for himself on the hill, just above the Hotwell. 
In this elevated and rocky situation, water was not 
over plenty ; and about 1796, Mr. M. was determined 
to sink a well on his premises, and to dig till water 
could be found. The miners dug and blew up the 
rocks till they came to the depth of 100 feet, without 
finding water. Mr. M. persevered in his design, and 
the workmen descended to the depth of 200 feet, 
without success. Still he ordered them to go on — ■ 
and when they had sunk to 246 feet, a copious 
stream gushed in upon them so suddenly and impe- 
tuously, that had they not hastily retreated, they 
must have been overwhelmed by the inundation. 
They not only found water, but that it was warm; 
and their employer was agreeably surprised, to be 
certified, on taste and trial, that the water had simi- 
lar qualities to that of the Lower House. It raises 
the thermometer to 73 degrees, though drawn up 
from such a profundity. Mr M. erected a steam- 
engine to raise the water, which works every day; 
built a spacious pump-room about 50 feet by 30, 
and prepared bathing places adjoining. 

Fam'd Clifton Hill ! thy various charms invite 

The great, the gay, the wealthy and polite ! 

On thee, both Health and Pleasure keep their court; 

To thee, old age and blooming youih resort; 

Thy balmy breezes have the magic pow'r 

The Weak to strengthen, and the Sick restore: 

Who, when they find their wonted vigor fail, 

Fly to thy summit and imbibe thy gale, 

Whose ev'ry zephyr, pregnant with her charms, 

Hygeia owns, and with her spirit warms. 

Thorn". 

SALINE MINERAL SPA WATER, is situated 
below Mardyke, in the street leading from the city to 
the Hotwell, at the house of Mr. Davis, commonly 
called the Tennis-court House. It issues out of a 
chasm in a rock (about 20 feet under the surface of 
the earth) which was opened in 1787 by the present 

F E 



218 
proprietor, in sinking a well, A gentleman of the 
Faculty accidentally tasting it, declared its medical 
qualities ; it has since been recommended by most of 
the Physicians in Bristol, and has, undeniably, cured 
many persons afflicted with various complaints. 

This water is perfectly transparent, an admirable 
mixture of the Saline and Chalybeate, with certain 
qualities of fixed and dephlogisticated air. It is es- 
teemed by good judges to be superior to any other 
mineral water of its kind in the kingdom. It lias 
nothing nauseous in its taste, does not deposit any 
thing whatsoever, and will remain transparent for any 
length of time in any climate. 

It is good in obstructions of the liver, viscera and 
mesenteric glands, in hypocondria, jaundice, and 
female complaints. It has performed wonderful cures 
in scrophulous, scorbutic, cutaneous, bilious and rheu- 
matic disorders. It has healed ulcerated sore legs of 
many years standing ; has been efficacious in the piles, 
rickets, particularly pimpled faces, and in cases which 
have been deemed incurable by the Faculty. It 
sharpens the appetite, raises the spirits, and strength? 
ens the body ; its virtues are real and great ; and are 
ready to be attested by those who have drank it, and 
have found its salutary effects by happy experience. 

Convenient hot and cold baths are prepared with 
this most excellent Saline Spring, for the reception of 
those who are advised by the Faculty to bathe. To 
those who are under a course of the Bath Waters, it 
is recommended, in lieu of Cheltenham Salts ; it may 
be procured from the Spring every day. There is a 
neat Pump-room in the house, and a small colonade 
before the door. 



CHAR XXIL 

Of the Cities, Towns, Seats, and Curiosities of those 

Parts of Somerset, that are in the Neighbourhood 

of Bristol, 



BATH, 13 miles south-east from Bristol Exchange, 
was, in the time of the Romans, famous for its Hot 
Waters, which were the Therms of Ptolemy ; the 
Aquse Solis of Antoninus ; and the Fontes callidi of 
Soiinus. Numerous are the Roman Antiquities that 
have been found here ; for accounts of which, see 
Collinsons Beauties of British Antiquity, and the Bath 
Guides. This City is supplied with excellent Water, 
both hard and soft, by copious springs which rise in 
the adjacent hills. The Hot Waters rise in the centre 
of the city. It is generally agreed that the hot waters 
contain a small quantity of carbonic acid and axotic 
gas, some sulphate and muriate of soda, selinite, 
carbonate of lime, muriate of magnesia, selicious earth, 
and a very small portion of oxy-carbonate, of iron. 
Raises Fahrenheit's thermometer to 119 degrees. 
This, which was one of the smallest, is now one of 
the largest cities of England. Its unrivalled, hot and 
excellent mineral water, wholesome air, elegant build- 
ings, good accommodations and variety of amuse- 
ments, continually attract visitants and establish resi- 
dents ; so that it has been for many years, and is at 
present, increasing in beautiful houses, wealthy and 
polite inhabitants, is become, indisputably, the best 
iuilt city in the kingdom, and the provincial metro- 
polis of fashion, taste, and elegance. The ancient 
part of the city is situated in a vale ; and the modern 
part principally on a hill to the north, gradually 



220 

rising to a great height. Each part has a set of As- 
sembly rooms ; and each has a master of the cere- 
monies. The squares, obelisks, circus, crescents, and 
many regular and magnificent piles, may remind the 
literary traveller of old Rome, of which Bath is the 
nearest resemblance that this country can afford. 

The buildings and places that particularly deserve 
the attention of a stranger, are, the lofty Cathedral, 
St. Michael's and Walcot Churches, and St. Mary's 
Chapel, the Upper Rooms, the Baths, the superb 
Pump-room, the Town-hall, the Hospital, the north 
Parade, and south Parade ; Queen's and St. James's 
Squares, the Circus and Royal Crescent, both une- 
qualled in England ; Landsdown place and Chapel ; 
several beautiful streets, Milsome, Gay, Bond, Brock, 
and Bath-streets and Colonades, New King-street, 
&c. &c. ; the two Bridges ; and over the new Bridge, 
Laura-place; Great Pulteney-street, 100 feet wide; 
Sidney Gardens, admirably laid out ; the new town 
in Bathwick, &c. This city is now of considerable 
extent; a mile and a half long from S.W. to N.E. 
and excepting Bristol, the largest and most populous 
place in the West of England, and stands in the first 
rank of English cities, for magnitude, beauty and 
popularity. The Police and Paving of Bath are 
super-excellent. It has eight churches and eight 
chapels for the established religion ; and thirteen 
Chapels and Meeting-houses for other denominations. 
Here are several hospitals ; a Free Grammar-school ; 
other Schools and Public Buildings, which, with the 
whole city, are built of freestone. The city is go- 
verned by a mayor, recorder, ten aldermen, and 20 
common councilmen. The number of Inhabitants 
of Bath, 46,688, having increased in the last 10 years 
8254, — census 1821. Four Weekly Newspapers are 
published here. The whole town, its antiquities, 
buildings, waters, and abundance of noble and polite 
company are pleasing objects of attention and specu- 
lation. The lower and more ancient part of the town 
is now much improving by act of parliament. For 
further particulars see the Bath Guides. 



221 

WELLS, about 20 miles from Bristol ; a neat, plea- 
sant, rural, and healthy city, which has one of the 
finest cathedrals in England (St. Andrew's,) built by 
Robert de Lewes, and Jofeline de Welles : and hal- 
lowed or dedicated 23d October, 1239. Its outside 
has a most venerable appearance, and the western 
front is very magnificent, being an entire pile of sta- 
tues, much admired for ancient Gothic imagery. It 
has one tower over the cross, and two at the western 
end ; in one of which is a fine peal of eight bells, the 
tenor of which weighs three tons. This church is in 
length 380 feet; broad at the cross 127 ; breadth of 
Have and aisles 67 ; height of nave 67 ; height of the 
great tower 179; of the western towers 126 eacru 
The parish church of St. Cuthbert, is a handsome, 
spacious, Gothic structure. The Bishop's Palace, 
walled in, and moated round ; some ancient arches 
and gateways; and a new Shire-hall built of stone, 
are worthy of attention. The streets are well paved, 
with flagged footways. Near to this city are Wookey- 
hole and Cheddar-clirTs. 

GLASTONBURY ABBEY, 6 miles from Wells, 
formerly the richest and most magnificent in the 
world. It was liberally endowed by King Ina who 
built the great church which was laid in ruins at the 
Reformation. The Abbot's kitchen is now more 
entire than any other part, On a lofty conical hill 
near to the town, was a church, dedicated to St. 
Michael ; on the tower of which, Richard Whiting, 
the last Abbot, was hanged by Henry VIII. for con- 
tumacious expressions, and reluctance to deliver up 
bis rich benefice to the king's commissioners. The 
church is in ruins, but the tower, still standing, is 
called Glastonbury Torr, and is one of the principal 
land-marks of the west. 

DUNDRY, about four miles and a half S. W. from 
Bristol, is the loftiest hill about it, and in this coun- 
try, and an object in many distant parts and counties 
in England and VVales, having a church, with a tower 
near 100 feet in height, and very much resembles 
that of St. Stephen's in Bristol ; it has battlements 



222 
and pinnacles of hollow work, and a good stair-case 
up to the leads on the top. It was built in 1482 ; and 
was repaired in 1703, by Benjamin Griffin, then 
churchwarden. The church is small and low, has two 
aisles, and several monuments ; the whole breadth 
about 25 feet, length about 45 and the centre suppor- 
ted by stone pillers. Dundry Tower is a conspicuous 
land-mark of the western suburbs of Bristol, being- 
situated near the end of a ridge of hills, about four 
miles in length, and so remarkable for their height, 
and for the noble and extensive prospects that may 
be taken from them ; but are rarely visited by the in- 
habitants of Bristol, though they have the hill and 
tower so frequently in view. There cannot be a more 
delightful summer excursion than to the top of this 
hill, either through the road or fields. From thence 
you command delightful views of the Bristol Channel, 
downward ; coast, country, and mountains of Wales to 
a great extent ; of the Severn upward ; Malvern hills 
in Worcestershire ; City and Cathedral of Glocester ; 
(from the top of Dundry Tower with a telescope) 
Stinchcomb Hill, near to Dursley ; the cities of Bristol 
and Bath ; to the east, the White Horse in Wiltshire, 
35 miles off; Marlborough Mount; and from Mais- 
knowle Tump, near to the eastern end of the hill, 
may be clearly seen, in a fair day, the tower at Stour- 
ton, built by the late Sir Richard Hoare. Near the 
tower in the church-yard is the remains of a cross, 
being one solid stone about 12 feet high, elevated on 
circular steps, which has an antique and venerable 
appearance. About a quarter of a mile from the 
church are the quarries from whence was brought the 
stone with which Redcliff church was built. 

PILL, on the south side of the Avon, about five 
miles from Bristol; inhabited by pilots. Here is a 
house dependent on the Custom-house, from which 
all outward bound vessels are finally cleared. 

ABBOT's LEIGH, three miles west of Bristol, 
once noted for the great Manor-house, which afford- 
ed an asylum to Charles IJf. when it belonged to a 
Mr. Norton. The present Mansion was built by, 



223 

and is the residence of Philip John Miles, esq. This 
is a truly elegant and extensive Building, and con- 
tains a collection of valuable Paintings, with a sight 
of which the Nobility and Gentry may be gratified, 
by procuring a ticket for admission, of P. J. Miles, 
Esq. at the counting-house of Messrs. Miles and 
Kington, Queen square, every Thursday. The church 
and village are situated on an eminence, and com- 
mand delightful prospects of the Severn, Wales, 
Avon, and Glocestershire. 

LONG ASHTON, 3 miles S.W. from Bristol, is 
a pleasant vale, between Dundry and Leigh-down. 
The land is rich and well-cultivated ; abounds with 
neat cottages and gardens, in which are raised flow- 
ers, vegetables, fruit, and particularly great quanti- 
ties of strawberries and raspberries, which are here 
eaten with cream, by the visitants from the Hotwells 
and Bristol. Here are some good houses and gen- 
teel families ; and the seat and park of Sir John 
Smyth, bart. built by lnigo Jones. The front is 
large, and has a great number of windows. 

ARlNO's VALE, in the road to Bath, about a mile 
and a half from Bristol Exchange. On the right 
hand is a elegant seat, and on the left is a building 
resembling a castle, ornamented with towers, pin- 
nacles, aud battlements. Here is erected the Castle 
gate of Bristol ; on the outside are placed in niches 
two statues of Saxon Princes, taken from Lawford's 
gate; and on the inside, the statues of Robert, Earl 
of Glocester, and Godfrey, Bishop of Constance, 
taken from Newgate. 

BRISLINGTON, two miles from Bristol, in the 
road to Bath, a pleasant village, on the side of a 
hill ; has a good church and tower, several handsome 
houses and wealthy inhabitants. In the church-yard 
is a large tomb-stone, with the following inscription : 
" 1542. Thomas Newman, aged 153. This stone was 
new-faced in the year 1771, to perpetuate the great 
age of the deceased." 

BROCKLEY COMB, 9 miles W.S.W. from Bris- 
tol x through Long Ashton, is much admired for its 



524 

romantic beauty- On each side of the road, the hills 
are adorned with lofty trees that stand over each 
other most remarkably ; and the sublimity of the 
scene is heigthened by the traveller's discerning 
through the apertures, rocks and precipices of a very 
venerable appearance. 

CLEVEDON, 13 miles west of Bristol, bordering 
on the Severn Sea. The way to it is to ascend the 
road to Leigh Down, and take the road to the left, 
which leads to Fayland's Inn ; three miles beyond 
which is Nash House. A mile and a half beyond is 
Cuthberry Camp, a Roman station, the entrench- 
ments of which are yet almost entire, and command 
extensive view r s of the Channel, Coast, and Country. 
From hence, over a lofty ridge of hills, are two miles 
to the Pleasure-house on Clevedon-hill, from which 
are grand prospects, viz. of Nailsea Moor, abound- 
ing in cattle ; of Mendip Hills, Cheddar, Brent 
Knowle, and Quantock ; to the north, of the Bristol 
Channel, Mountains of Wales, and Aust Passage ; 
to the south-west, of the Steep and Flat Holmes, and 
the. Light-house on the latter. A mile to the north- 
west is the ruins of Walton Castle. 

HENGROVE, a handsome seat pleasantly situ- 
ated at about three miles south-east of Bristol Ex- 
change. In the second field westward of this house 
stands a stout square stone above three feet high, 
which had a flat stone fastened to its front, with the 
following inscription engraved in capitals : — 

To praise the Lord our God devise, 

All honour to him shew, 
And at his footstool worship him, 

That holy is and true. 

Moses, Aaron, and Samuel, 

As Priests, on him did call. 
When ihey did pray he heard them well. 

And gave them answer all. 

The princely power of our King 

Doth love Judgement and Right, 
Thou rightly rulest every thing, 

In Jacob, through thy might. 



225 

Know thou, that he who is abo?e» 

For evermore shall reign, 
And in the seat of Equity, 

True Judgment will maintain. 

With Justice will he keep and guide 

The World and every wight, 
And so will yield with Equity, 

To every man his right. 

Erected A.D. 1536, Repaired 1748. 

The first date is about the era of the Reformation, 
began by Thomas Lord Cromwell .^ as a memorial of 
which this probably was erected. Since the year 
1795, when the above was copied, part of the flat 
stone containing the inscription has been stolen 
away; the rest lay on the ground, which is now en- 
tirely destroyed. The stone that remains is one of 
the boundaries of the parish of Bedminster, and when 
the Minister and Churchwardens go in procession to 
examine the bounds, they here stop, read a prayer, 
and sing the 118th Psalm, which appears to be an 
ancient custom. We would recommend the re-erec- 
tion of this stone, with the before-mentioned inscrip- 
tion, as a piece of antiquity which ought to be pre- 
served, and might be done at a trifling expence by 
the parish of Bedminster. 

KEYNSHAM, a market town, in the road to Bath, 
five miles from Bristol, has a spacious old Gothic 
Church, with a good tower and eight bells. This 
was heretofore noted for its Abbey, and for having 
been the principal seat of the Cangi. It is about a 
mile in length, chiefly consisting of one street of low 
houses, built of stone. There is a bridge here over 
the river Chew, the stream of which works Copper 
mills below, and then falls into the Avon, on which 
also is a bridge of nine arches. These parts are fa- 
mous for the cultivation of Woad, used in dying 
blue ; also for Snake and Serpentine stones, many of 
which may be seen in the town. 

K1NGSDOWN, about seven miles south-west of 
Bristol. Here is dug the red colouring for marking 
sheep ; which is also prepared for painting, aud 

G 6 



226 

Called Spanish Brown ; and sometimes used for mak- 
ing an imitation of Armenian Bole, being a similar 
astringent. 

STANTON-DREW, 6 miles from Bristol. Here 
is an antiquity, supposed to be the remains of a Dru- 
idical Temple, much in the same form as that at 
Stonehenge, forming nearly three circles of large 
stones, various sizes, to the heigth of 14 feet, and 24 
feet in circumference. They are situated in a field. 

Among some Poems, which Mr. Curnick, a native 
of Bristol has published, we find the following 

ODE, 

Written at * Stanton Drew, Somersetshire. 

As twilight spreads her dim veil o'er the mead. 

Here, (once grim superstition's favorite scene,) 
1 rove ; and has bright Phoebus' rays recede, 

Invoke the hoary shade, that dwells unseen I— 



I 



That oft, when midnight o'er creauofHours, 
A softly-soothing cadence pours, 
Beneath some spreading oak reclin'd, 
Round which the wreathing ivy's twin'd y 
Or, in ihe solemn grove for secret rites enjoin'd. 

Ye mouldering stones, of wond'rous height 

That time's all-ruthless hand display j 
Your mystic pow'rs are wrapp'd in night; 

Ye here no more ihe Bardic lay I 

In vain fair wisdom's radiant eye, 

Would pierce your dark surrounding gloors, 

So we with doubtful minds descry 
The soul's resort beyond the tomb. 

Then, from this scene, ye thoughtless, learB, 

Who on the giddy phantom wait : 
To these once honour'd relics turn 

And view of earthly things the fate J 

Turn then, nor walk in Folly's footsteps wild y 

For pleasure is a transitory ray, 
Which life's fair-rising morn doth faintly gild ; 

But hid, forlorn ye tread the devious way. 

* Tat words St mill vn D/en aro Saxon, and meaa tbt stoat town of the Drutf* 



227 

STOWEY, about nine miles south from Bristol, is 
noted for a petrifying Spring. 

WRINGTON, ten miles and a half south-west 
from Bristol, a market town. Near to it is dug and 
prepared Lapis Calaminaris, which, mixed with cop- 
per, makes brass; it also produces Zinc, (sometimes 
called Spelter) of which and copper are made pinch- 
beck, and princes metal. Mr. John Locke, that 
excellent metaphisician, was born in this town ; in 
1632, and died 1704. His Treaties concerning Hu- 
man Understanding, Government, Education Toler- 
ation, Study, &c. prove him to have been one of th6 
Lights of the World, and an honor to humanity. 

To the account of Places in Somersetshire 

STOURTON, in Wiltshire, is added, because the 
High Cross of Bristol is erected there ; and also the 
lofty Tower, named Alfred's, is visible to the naked 
eye, so near to Bristol as the eastern end of Dundry 
Hill, just above Whitchurch. This tower is 155 feet 
high, has steps to the top, on which a gallery is railed 
in securely. As the hill on which it stands is very 
eminent and conspicuous, nothing can be conceived 
more striking than the vast prospects from every side 
of the summit of this structure. There is a path, 
through fields, by Hengrove, to Mais - Knowle 
Tump, where, in a clear day, this monument may be 
viewed. It appears at the extremity of the horizon, 
a little to the east of the Glass-house at Wick, and- is 
about 35 miles from Bristol. 



CHAP. XXIII. 

Towns, Seats, and Curiosities in GlocestersJiire, tyc. 
and Vicinity of Bristol. 



ALMONDSBURY, about 7 miles N. from Bristol, 
in the road to Glocester, from whence there is a 
prospect of the Severn Sea and the adjacent counties. 
Under the hill stands the Church, which has a spire 
covered with lead. Here also is an endowed Cha- 
rity-school. It is said that Alemond, the father of 
Egbert, was buried in this church ; if so, the etymo- 
logy of the same is evident. At Knole, in this pa- 
rish, is also an ancient fortification, with a double 
ditch ; and an old seat of the family of Chester. 
There is a tradition that the camp was the work of 
Offa; in 1650, at Over, a coffin was dug of a tumu- 
lous, the bones of which exceeded the common sta- 
ture, and this was supposed, by many persons, to be 
the burial place of the latter. 

ALVESTON, ten miles from Bristol : near the 
church, are the remains of an ancient building, which 
appears once to have occupied no less than 25 acres 
of land. It should seem, from the very formidable 
walls and battlements which are still standing, that 
it must have been a strong fortress ; but as history 
as well as tradition are silent respecting it, it is im- 
possible to speak of it with any degree of certainty. 
The embattled wall is 70 yards long, 24 feet high, 
and 7 feet thick ; and near the grand entrance to the 
building appears the remains of a chapel. The 
whole will undoubtedly be viewed by the Antiqua- 
rian with pleasure ; and a close consideration of it 
may lead to some account of its erection, which 
might prove agreeable and profitable. 



229 

ABSTON and WICK, about seven miles E. from 
Bristol, through Kingswood and Warmley. Here 
are on the sides of the little river Boyd, rocks some- 
what similar to St. Vincent's, but less. Sparry sub- 
stances are found here, but not so hard or so clear 
as the Bristol stones. 

AUST or OLD PASSAGE, 11 miles from Bristol, 
Here is a Ferry to cross the Severn, two miles over. 
The house has good accommodation for company, 
and commands extensive prospects of land and wa- 
ter. Here King Edward the elder summoned Lio- 
line, Prince of Wales, to cross the Severn, and confer 
with him, which he refused to do. Therefore, Ed- 
ward passed over to him, who, on seeing the King 
in the boat, threw his robes on the ground, and leap- 
ing into the water, said, "Most wise King, your 
humility has conquered my pride, and your wisdom 
triumphed over my folly," &c. 

BADM1NGTON. The seat of His Grace the 
Duke of Beaufort, about 16 miles N.E. from Bristol. 
A magnificent mansion, or rather palace, with a park 
inclosed with a wall, 10 miles in circumference, in 
which are distinct parts for red and fallow deer, and 
beautiful plantations of trees. The house contains 
fine paintings, excellent antique sculptures, and a 
noble library. The Parish Church is near to the 
house, a handsome structure built at the Duke's ex- 
pense; and has two superb marble monuments of 
the Duke's ancestors, both sculptured in Italy. 

BLAZE CASTLE, about four miles N.N.W. from 
Bristol, in the parish of Henbury, is a large triangular 
tower or casellated building, containing a very large 
circular room and several smaller ones. It stands 
on a fine eminence, commanding extensive and de- 
lightful prospects of the Severn, Bristol Channel, 
Wales, and circumjacent country. This structure 
was built, and the woods planted and walks laid out 
with great taste, by Thomas Farr, esq. who was 
mayor of Bristol in 1775, and afterwards resided in 
London. In digging the foundation, several brass 
and silver coins of Roman Emperors were found, as 



230 
noticed before. The edifice has its name from A 
Chapel which formerly stood here, dedicated to St. 
Blazias, Bishop of St. Sebastian, and Patron of the 
Woollen Manufacturers. Here is also a capital man- 
sion which is the residence of its present possessor, 
John Scandrett Harford, esq. D.C.L. 

CHEPSTOW, in Monmouthshire, 18 miles north 
from Bristol, remarkable for its tides, which some- 
times rise here 60 feet ; it has a lofty bridge, good 
foreign and domestic trade, and venerable remains 
of a fine old castle, 

CHiPPING-SQDBURY, about 11 miles north- 
east from Bristol, in the road to Oxford, is a market 
town, with a wide street, half a mile in length. It is 
governed by a mayor and aldermen. The church is 
a chapel of ease to Old Sodbury, 2 miles off. 

COTI1AM, a hill about a furlong north-west from 
Bristol. Here is a handsome seat, the residence of 
John Barrow, Esq. late Mayor of Bristol. Near the 
house is a round Tower or observatory, 70 feet high, 
on which the spectator has fine prospects of Bristol, 
and surrounding country. A curious sort of rusticated 
stoue, suitable for the embellishment of pillars and 
gateways, has been obtained here. 

CREW's HOLE, about 2 miles east from Bristol, 
on the banks of the Avon. Here are large works for 
smelting copper. 

DIRHAM, about 10 miles east from Bristol, re- 
markable for a victory gained by Ceaulin, King of 
the West-Saxons, over the Britons; and for a fine 
house (near to the church) 150 feet in front, and cu- 
rious water- works. 

DODINGTON, 12 miles north-east from Bristol, 
Here is a large handsome seat, though not modern; 
in the front of it are two beautiful pieces of water, 
one above the other, which are supplied by the spring 
that is one of the heads of the river Froom, which 
runs through Bristol. 

FRENCHAY, four miles north-east from Bristol, 
has many handsome houses and opulent inhabitants ; 
& coffee-house, and two meeting-houses. At the 



231 
eastern end of the common is a remarkable In sua 
naturae, taken out of a quarry at Dowr e- d \ an entire 
perfcet muscle, of nearly two tons weight 

HENBURY, a very pleasant, rural and healthy 
village, situate about 5 miles north west from Bristol 
Exchange, in which are many good houses and 
wealthy inhabitants. It has a spacious parish church, 
which for beauty aud internal workmanship is not to 
be excelled by any country church in these parts. 
In the church are many handsame monuments, and 
some of Lord De Clifford's family. In the tower are 
six bells and a good clock. The church- yard, which 
for neatness we rarely see its equal, and for monu- 
mental tombs and epitaphs few country church-yards 
presents so pleasing a variety. Adjoining stands a 
free school well endowed. At a small distance from 
the church are situated ten Cottages, built by the late 
Mr. Harford, for the gratuitous residence of aged 
persons of very small incomes. These cottages we 
pronounce worthy the notice of the curious, having 
such a variety of display in architecture not to be 
equalled in England. They are all built seperate 
and each has a garden adjoining. The neat appear- 
ance, rural and retired situation of these cottages 
cannot fail to gratify the visitant, who will admire 
the taste of their benevolent founder, who has thus 
employed his ground and property to such good pur- 
poses. Strangers are admitted on Thursdays* on 
sending their Names any previous day to the Gar- 
dener, Mr. Thompson. — Entrance to the gronnds on 
Henbury hill. 

K1NGWESTON, about 4 miles north-west from 
Bristol. Here is a good Inn situated on the brow of 
the hill, much frequented by visitants from this city; 
the seat of Lord De Clifford, a noble mansion of 
stone, built by Sir John Vanburgh. In it is a capital 
collection of paintings, extensive gardens and planta- 
tions, and an incomparable hot-house. From this 
house, Kingweston Inn, and Penpole hill are some 
of the most beautiful prospects imaginable, of the 
mouth of the Avon, the Denny Island } Glamorgan, 



232 
Monmouth, and Glocestershire, mouth of the river 
Wve, and the Old and New Passages. 

NEW PASSAGE, 9 miles and a half from Bristol. 
The Severn is here 3 miles broad at high water, and 
the Passage-house very pleasant and commodious. 

OLD BURY, 3 miles and a half north-east from Bris- 
tol, through Stapleton or Fishponds, stands the seat 
of Mrs. Graham, widow of the late Esq. Graham. 
In this place are elegant rural walks through woods 
and over precipices, that have the river Froom be- 
neath, reflecting the trees and rocks on its banks, and 
running over a weir that forms an agreeable cascade. 

PEN-PARK HOLE, 5 miles north-west from 
Bristol, a tremendous abyss, by some reported to be 
unfathomable, and by others, to be about 300 feet 
deep : noticed by various authors, and in the Philoso- 
phical Transactions. It is situated in the corner of 
a field, and inclosed with a wall to prevent accidents 
fatal to men and beasts. The ground about the en- 
trance is below the level of the field. The principal 
hole is dangerous to approach, and terrible to behold ; 
a little below the entrance appears an impending rock 
and all the rest is frightful gloom. People throw 
stones into it, which are heard, for some time, dashing 
against rocks, and at last plunging into water. On 
the 17th of March 1775, the Rev. M. Newnham, one 
of the canons of the cathedral of Bristol, with another 
gentleman and two ladies, one of them his sister, and 
the other the object of his affection, went to explore 
the depth of this horrible cavity. Mr. N. lowered a 
line, and being near the dark aperture, that he might 
be safer, laid hold of a twig pertaining to the root of 
an ashen tree, which grew over the mouth of it. 
But, his foot slipping, the twig broke, and he was 
precipitated into this yawning, black, and dreadful 
gulph, in the sight of his astonished and almost pe- 
trified friends. That morning he had officiated at 
Clifton church, and read psalm the 88th, in which 
are these words so descriptive of his catastrophe : 
" Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in a place of 
darkness, and in the deep." After this shocking ac- 



233 
cident so many people went from Bristol to see this 
hole that the place about it was like a fair. Vehicles 
for descending were contrived, and some went down 
daily to search for the body, which was found 39 
days after, floating" on the water. 

PIERCEFIE1D, in Monmouthshire, one mile and 
a half from Chepstow. This place has many visitants 
and is much celebrated for its rocks, woods, pros- 
pects of the Wye, the Severn, and Bristol channel, 
the bridge, town, and castle of Chepstow. Strangers 
are admitted only on Tuesdays and Fridays. About 
five miles from hence is Tintern Abbey, one of the 
most venerable ruins of a Gothic church in the 
kingdom. 

REDLAND, one mile N.N.W* from Bristol, a 
handsome village, in which are several good houses ; 
the principal mansion here is Redland Court, built 
by John Cousens, Esq. from a design of Strachan, 
architect ; and enlarged and improved by Jeremiah 
Baker, Esq. It is now an elegant modern structure, 
and very ornamental to that part of the environs. 
The present possessor is Sir Richard Vaughan, knt. 
Near to it is a beautiful chapel, built of freestone, 
with a turret containing a bell, crowned with a dome 
of lead, ball, and cross, a miniature resemblance of 
St. Paul's, in London. In this chapel are the busts 
of Mr. and Mrs. Coussens, well executed, in marble, 
by Rysbrack; and a capital painting on the altar- 
piece of the embalming of Jesus, by Vanderbank, 
and many other highly-finished embellishments. Mr. 
Thorne having celebrated the beauties of this seat, 
we shall beg leave once more to trespass on his 
Poem, by inserting the following lines : 

Delightful spot, mid Summer'i piercing heat, 
How oft I've wander'd to thy blest retreat ! 
Beneath thy trees, secur'd from l'hrebis' rage, 
How oft I've rov'd and read th' instructive page ! 
Soou as thy lovely solitude I spy. 
What rural beauty bursts opou miue eye ! 
Enraptur'd Fancy, with ingenious hand, 
Depicts a scene resembling Fairy Laud. 
Two rows of trees, at proper distance shew 
The Planter's taste, and rural geuiirs too : 
These, when array'd in Spring's enliv'uing bloom, 
The Pr©6pe«t heighten with romantic gloom. 

H h 



234 

A verdent Walk, and cooling Zephyrs bless 

Th' enchanting region of thy sweet recess : 

The owner's Mansion on a gentle rise, 

Appears a Palace to th' admiring Eyes ; 

Its noble fabric is, encircled seen, 

With groves of lofty elms, and shrubs of lasting green. 

STAPLETON, two miles north-east from Bristol, 
a neat village, which has a church, and in the tower 
six bells. In this village are very capital mansions, 
which have extensive gardens and plantations, that 
present views of the city and country. 

STOKE -BISHOP, two miles north-west from 
Bristol, where is a fine old mansion, the seat of Sir 
Henry Lipincot, Bart. Some years ago, as some 
labourers were digging in what had been an old Ro- 
man way, they found the jaw-bones and teeth of an 
elephant. About a mile to the south are a lofty 
house and tower of stone, of a very good design, 
standing on the brow of a high clift that rises from 
the bank of the river Avon. This building, which 
greatly embellishes these parts and prospects, is call- 
ed Cook's Folly, from a story current thereabout, 
that one Cook dreamed that he should die by the 
bite of a Viper, and therefore built and confined him- 
self in this place. But all his caution could not avert 
his destiny, for as he was sitting by the fire, a viper 
sprung from some faggots, and bit him so effectually 
as to occasion what he had been at so much ex pence 
to avoid. Over the entrance to this house are the 
following letters in stone, I COOKE, 1693. 

STOKE-HOUSE, Stapleton, 2 miles north-east 
from Bristol, the seat of the Duchess Dowager of 
Beaufort. The late Lord Bottetourt rebuilt it about 
the year 1760, and it is a very noble mansion, on a fine 
verdant hill. The surrounding spacious woods, tem- 
ples, and monuments, well merit the visits of the 
curious; and in Summer may be justly stiled a ter- 
restrial paradise. 

THORNBURY, 11 miles north-east of Bristol, a 
market town, consisting of four or five streets, one of 
which is about half a mile in length ; has four good 
inns, and many respectable inhabitants ; here are 
four neat chapels for different dissenters. The town 






235 
is governed by a mayor and twelve aldermen. Its si* 
tuation is on an elevation, and very desirable. It is 
remarkable for a spacious church, resembling; a ca- 
thedral, with a lofty and beautiful tower, not unlike 
that of Dundry ; and for the remains of a castle, with 
an authentic account of which the printer hereof has 
been favoured by the housekeeper at the castle, trans- 
cribed from an ancient book in Old English Print. 

" This Castle stands in the hundred aed manor of Thornbury, from which it takes, its 
name. Leland treating of it in his Itinerary, says — Edward, late Duke of Bukkynham, 
likynge the soyle about, and the site of the house, pullyd downe a grete part of the olde 
house, aud set up magnificently, in good squarred stone the southe side of it ; and 
accomplished the west part also with a comely gate house to the fust sojle, and so it 
stondith yet, with a rofe forced for a tyme.' This inscription on the front of the gate 
house — " This gate was begun in the jere of our Lord God 1511. the 2d year of the 
reign of Kynge Henry the VIII. by me Edward, Duke of Bukkynham, Earle of Here- 
ford, Stafford, and Northampton." Upon a seroll on the right-hand of the gateway are 
the following letters ; DORENESAVANI. He likewise made a fine Park near 
the Castle, for which purpose he enclosed a considerable tract of rich corn ground. 
Atkins says, he had a licence from Henry VII. to empark 1000 acres. Thi* accord- 
ing to Leland, drew en him the curses of the neighbourhood. He also proposed to have 
brought up to the Castle, a small branch of the Severn, which flowed into the Park. 
He did not however live either to perform this, or to finish his building, being beheaded 
anno. 1522 ; and his estates then escheating to the Crown, it was mever compleated. 
Historians seem in some measure to attribute his fall to the effects of a rediculous quar- 
rel he had with Cardinal Wolsey on the following occasion ; the Duke one day after 
dinner according to an accustomed ceremonial, being on his knees holding a basin of 
water to the King, who had just finished washing, and turned away; the Cardinal, before 
the Duke could alter his posture, sportingly dipped in his hand ; which so offended the 
haughty Buckingham, that rising in a rage, he threw the water in Wolsey's shoes. 
He in his turn being greatly incensed, threatened him that he would sit on his skirts. 
On the morrow the Duke came to Court withont skirts to his doublet ; the King 
demanding the reason thereof, Buckingham related the Cardinal's menace, and said he 
had taken this method to prevent bis putting it in execution. 

The Female inhabitant, for a small gratuity, will show several Rooms 
yet entire, which, with the ruins of the Castle and its out-wojks, are 
worthy of notice. 

WESTBURY upon Trim, four miles north-west 
of Bristol Exchange; has a handsome old Parish 
Church, built of stone, with three spacious aisles, 
and in the tower six bells. There is at the entrance 
of this parish an elegant mansion, called Cote House, 
Here was formerly a College for a Dean and five 
Canons, built by William Canny nges, who was its 
first Dean. Some of the parts of it that remain, and 
buildings erected since, constitute a gentleman's 
seat. There is also a chapel for Methodists. The 
village contains many good houses, and an Inn. 



£ 



230 



Itinerary of the principal Ton 
Bristol, with their distances i 



'owns and Villages round 
in Miles and Furlongs. 



To Axbrtdee. 

To Bed minster.... 



On the left to Weils 17 m. 

Red Hill 

Haviates Green 

Langford 

Churchill 

Sydcot 

Cross 

Axbridge , 



M. 1 

1 



Total 



18 4 



IVestoiimsuper-Mare. 

Long Ashton ..., 

Flaxbourton , 

Farley 

West Town 

Cleve 

Orchinwood 

Congresbury 

Puxton 

Worle 

Weston-super-Mare..*. 



M. 


F 


3, 


3 






6 


1 




2 




i 


6 




6 


S> 




2 




2 


4 



Total 18 6 

This is a pleasant Watering-place 
and much frequented. 



To S kept on Mallet. 

To Knowl 

Whitchurch 

Pensford 

Clutton 

Temple Cloud 

Farrington Gurney... 
On the right to Wells, 8 m 

Stone Easton 

Old Down Inn.... 

Gurney Slade 

Little London 

on the left to Frome, 11 in 
Shepton Mallet 



f; 



Total 19 2 



M, F. 

I'm 4 



To Chepstow, Monmo, M, 

Chepstow i 

Piercefield , 

Total 19 - 

Piercefield is noted for a Seat, ele 
gant Gardens, and Walks. 

m . i bb! 



To Newport, G totes. M. 

L'o Horrield i 2 

Felton 1 

Aldmondbbury 3 

Rudgway { 1 

Alvesion 

Falfield 4 

Stone, .,.. I 

Woodford Green... 
Newport 



Total 



1 
17 



To Durstty. Gloces. M. F. 

To Stapleton 

iJambrook 

Iron Acton 

on right to Sodhury, 3^ m. 

Rangeworthy 

Long Cross 

Woodend 

on right to Wickwar, 3 m. 
Wootion-under-Edge.. 

Westridge 

Dursley 



Total 



23 4 



To Trowbridge* 

Brislington 

Keynsham 

Bath 

Bradford , , 

f ro\vbrido;e , 



M. 

I 2 

3 

7 
8 



Total 23 



To Weymouth. 
(Through Shepton Mallet.) 

to Cannard's grave inn 

Ansford Inn 

Thackeston 

Sherborne 

Long Burton 

Ilolnest 

Dorchester 

Winterborne Monkton 
ftrodeway 



M.F. 



Mel comb Regis. 



Weymouth 



Total 64 6 



Jsoeph Mathevrsj Printer, 2'J, Bath Street, Bristol. 



.ibrary of Congress 

ranch Bindei 



